Mike Tyson has provided new details regarding a potential exhibition boxing match against Floyd Mayweather, slated for April 25 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The 59-year-old former heavyweight champion confirmed he has signed for the bout, which he expects to proceed as planned despite recent rumors of postponement and a minor injury he is currently recovering from.
Tyson revealed that the exhibition will have no weight limit, a striking detail given his last fight weight was around 229 pounds, while Mayweather typically competes in the mid-150s. The contest is scheduled for eight rounds and is intended to be a non-professional exhibition, meaning it will not impact either fighter’s official record. Safety measures are expected to include heavier gloves, likely 14 or 16 ounces, to mitigate the significant size disparity.
Adding to the historical significance, Tyson stated that organizers plan to use the very same ring that hosted the iconic “Rumble in the Jungle” between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Kinshasa in 1974. Officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo have publicly supported the event, viewing it as a major boxing spectacle returning to the country after decades. However, formal confirmation regarding the exact venue and the technical feasibility of using the original ring is still awaited from the promoters.
Concerns persist regarding the safety protocols for the event, particularly given the fighters’ combined age exceeding 100 years and the potential weight gap of over 70 pounds. The focus remains on ensuring comprehensive safety measures are in place should the April 25 date in Congo be officially confirmed.
