An exhibition showdown between boxing icons Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. is tentatively set for April 25 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The bout, first reported by The Ring’s Mike Coppinger, would take place in the same country that hosted the legendary Rumble in the Jungle.
That historic 1974 fight saw Muhammad Ali defeat George Foreman in Kinshasa, then known as Zaire.
Now, more than five decades later, organizers hope to recreate that historic energy with two of boxing’s most recognizable modern figures.
Tyson confirmed the exhibition in previous interviews and social media posts.
In a conversation with TMZ Sports earlier this year, he said, “Yeah that’s happening. You think I’d give that up? I was minding my business, he challenged me.”
The fight is reportedly being organized by CSI Sports/Fight Sports.
A Return to a Historic Venue
Congo’s Vice Premier Minister, Mobutu Nzanga Ngbangawe, also confirmed the date and location on social media.
He wrote, “Very happy to hear the great news… that boxing legends @MikeTyson and @FloydMayweather will face off in an exhibition match on April 25th in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, honoring the legacy of the Rumble in the Jungle 52 years later.”
The original Rumble in the Jungle remains one of the most iconic events in sports history.
Ali’s “rope-a-dope” strategy stunned Foreman and reshaped the heavyweight division.
Bringing Tyson and Mayweather to Congo ties the exhibition to that powerful legacy.
Tyson, now 59, last stepped into the ring in November 2024.
He lost by unanimous decision to Jake Paul in a professionally sanctioned fight.
Mayweather, 49, retired from professional boxing in 2017 after defeating Conor McGregor.
He finished his career with a perfect 50-0 record.
Since retirement, Mayweather has taken part in several high-profile exhibition bouts.
His most recent appearance came in August 2024 in a rematch against John Gotti III.
What the Exhibition Means
Unlike professional contests, exhibition fights do not count toward official records.
They are typically shorter and may feature modified rules.
However, they often generate massive global attention and revenue.
Tyson remains one of the most feared punchers in heavyweight history.
Mayweather is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive fighters ever.
The clash presents a contrast in styles, eras, and weight classes.
It also highlights boxing’s growing appetite for nostalgia-driven events.
Fans will be watching closely to see how competitive the bout becomes.
