Floyd Mayweather to Fight Manny Pacquiao Sept. 19 After June Exhibition in Athens

Floyd Mayweather, 49, will come out of retirement for a professional Mayweather Pacquiao rematch on Sept. 19 in Las Vegas following a June exhibition.

Floyd Mayweather, 49, has officially scheduled a professional Mayweather Pacquiao rematch against 47-year-old Manny Pacquiao for Sept. 19 in Las Vegas. This high-stakes encounter marks the second time the two legends will meet in the ring, coming years after Mayweather secured a 50-0 record by defeating Conor McGregor in 2017. Unlike his recent string of unofficial bouts, this September clash is designated as a professional fight, meaning Mayweather’s unblemished career record will be at risk. Before returning to the professional ranks in Nevada, the undefeated boxer will travel to Athens, Greece, for an exhibition contest at the Telekom Center in June 2026.

On June 2026, Mayweather will face Mike Zambidis under exhibition rules in a bout he described on social media as a "legendary battle." Zambidis, a 45-year-old retired kickboxer from Greece, concludes an 11-year hiatus from professional competition to host the American star. Known by the moniker 'Iron Mike,' Zambidis enters the ring with a resume boasting 18 world titles and 87 knockouts. Mayweather characterized the upcoming trip to Europe as an opportunity to entertain, promising a "different energy" and a "different level" of performance for the fans in Athens.

Since his formal retirement from professional boxing seven years ago, Mayweather has participated in a diverse array of exhibition matches across the globe. His previous opponents include influencer Logan Paul, Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa, and former sparring partner Don Moore. He has also shared the ring with MMA fighter and YouTuber Mikuru Asakura, Deji (the brother of KSI), and reality television personality Aaron Chalmers. Most recently, the veteran fighter completed two separate bouts against John Gotti III, the grandson of the notorious mafia boss. These events have allowed the 49-year-old to remain active without impacting his official 50-0 standing.

The Mayweather Pacquiao rematch is not the only significant headline surrounding the fighter’s 2026 schedule. Reports indicate that Mike Tyson, who shares the 'Iron Mike' nickname with Zambidis, is also supposedly entering the ring against Mayweather this year. However, a formal announcement regarding a Mayweather-Tyson exhibition contest has yet to be finalized. As the summer approaches, the focus remains on the June date in Greece, which Mayweather claims will be a month where history is made. Following the European exhibition, the transition back to professional status for the Sept. 19 date in Las Vegas represents a significant shift in stakes for the aging champion.

Stephen A. Smith and Vincent Goodwill have expressed tempered expectations for the second meeting between Mayweather and Pacquiao, with Smith noting he is "not expecting much" from the veteran pairing. Despite the skepticism from analysts, the Sept. 19 event remains the primary focus for fans tracking the 50-0 fighter's legacy. The Greek exhibition serves as the final tune-up before Mayweather risks his perfect professional resume against his long-time rival in the United States. With 18 world titles on his opponent's resume for June and a career-defining rematch set for September, 2026 is positioned as a pivotal year for the retired boxer's return to the spotlight.

The upcoming professional bout in Nevada will be sanctioned under standard boxing regulations, ensuring that the outcome will be recorded on the official ledgers of both participants. Pacquiao, who has remained active in various capacities since his last professional outing, seeks to avenge the unanimous decision loss he suffered in 2015. That original meeting generated a record-breaking 4.6 million pay-per-view buys, a figure that remains the benchmark for combat sports commercial success. The 2026 iteration aims to capture a similar global audience, leveraging the enduring fame of two athletes who defined the welterweight division for over a decade.

Logistics for the Athens event at the Telekom Center are currently being finalized, with ticket sales expected to draw international spectators to the Greek capital. Mike Zambidis represents a unique challenge due to his extensive background in K-1 and kickboxing, though the June match will strictly adhere to boxing protocols. This cross-disciplinary appeal has become a hallmark of Mayweather's post-retirement strategy, blending traditional pugilism with entertainment-heavy spectacles. The contrast between the June exhibition and the September professional fight highlights the dual nature of Mayweather's current career phase, where he balances lucrative show-matches with high-risk legacy bouts.

Training camps for both the June and September dates are reportedly underway, with Mayweather utilizing his Las Vegas-based gym to prepare for the rigors of a professional-grade training cycle. Observers note that maintaining the physical condition required for a 12-round professional fight at age 49 presents a different set of obstacles compared to the shorter, less intense exhibition formats. Pacquiao, two years his junior, has also been spotted in rigorous training sessions, signaling that both men are treating the September 19 date with the gravity of a world title defense. The boxing world remains divided on the necessity of this sequel, yet the financial projections suggest that the Mayweather Pacquiao rematch will be one of the most-watched sporting events of the calendar year.