Mayweather Confirms Boxing Return as Neymar Eyes 2026 Retirement
Floyd Mayweather will resume professional boxing after his Mike Tyson exhibition bout, while Brazilian football star Neymar signals potential retirement by year's end citing persistent injury struggles.
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Floyd Mayweather has announced he will end his retirement and return to professional boxing following his scheduled exhibition match with Mike Tyson this spring, the 48-year-old boxing legend confirmed Friday. The former five-division world champion, who retired in 2017 with an unblemished 50-0 record, has participated in several exhibition bouts since stepping away from competitive fighting.
According to a statement provided to AFP, Mayweather plans to resume sanctioned professional competition after the Tyson exhibition. The announcement marks a significant shift for the fighter known as "Money," who has maintained his undefeated status across nearly three decades in the sport.
Mayweather's return comes as he approaches 50 years old, an age when most boxers have long retired from competition. His last professional fight was a tenth-round technical knockout victory over UFC star Conor McGregor in August 2017, which pushed his record to 50-0 and surpassed Rocky Marciano's historic mark.
Since retiring from professional boxing, Mayweather has remained in the public eye through exhibition matches, including bouts against YouTuber Logan Paul and Japanese mixed martial artist Mikuru Asakura. These exhibitions have reportedly earned him tens of millions of dollars while avoiding the risks associated with sanctioned professional contests.
The upcoming exhibition with 60-year-old Mike Tyson, scheduled for this spring, will serve as Mayweather's transition back to competitive boxing. Tyson himself has participated in exhibition matches in recent years, most notably a 2020 bout against Roy Jones Jr. that generated significant pay-per-view revenue.
Neymar Signals Career End
In contrasting news from the football world, Brazilian superstar Neymar has indicated he may retire from professional football by the end of 2026. The 34-year-old forward cited persistent injury problems as the primary factor in his decision, according to SABC News.
Neymar has struggled with injuries throughout recent seasons, limiting his playing time and effectiveness. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star moved to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal in 2023 but has faced continued fitness challenges that have prevented him from maintaining consistent form.
The potential retirement would end a career that saw Neymar become one of football's most expensive and recognizable players. He remains Brazil's second all-time leading scorer and played key roles in the national team's campaigns over the past decade.
Neymar's injury struggles have included serious knee and ankle problems that required extended rehabilitation periods. These setbacks have raised questions about his ability to compete at the highest level as he enters the latter stages of his career.
Contrasting Career Trajectories
The announcements from Mayweather and Neymar highlight divergent paths for aging athletes in combat sports and football. While Mayweather seeks to extend his boxing career despite approaching 50, Neymar appears ready to step away from football at 34 due to physical limitations.
Boxing has historically seen fighters compete into their 40s and beyond, with recent examples including Manny Pacquiao, who fought professionally until age 42. Football, with its demanding schedule and physical toll, typically sees players retire in their mid-to-late 30s, though some have extended careers into their early 40s.
Mayweather's decision to return to professional boxing carries financial and legacy implications. Any defeat would tarnish his perfect record, while victories could further cement his status as one of boxing's all-time greats. His earning potential remains substantial, with his fights consistently generating massive pay-per-view numbers.
For Neymar, a 2026 retirement would allow him to depart on his own terms rather than facing a forced exit due to declining performance. The Brazilian has accumulated significant wealth throughout his career and could transition into coaching, business ventures, or ambassadorial roles within football.
Both athletes' decisions will be closely watched by fans and analysts as they navigate the final chapters of their respective sporting careers. Mayweather's return date and opponent remain unconfirmed beyond the Tyson exhibition, while Neymar's timeline suggests he could participate in one final season before stepping away from the game.