By Admin Floyd Mayweather’s brash response to critics of his upcoming exhibition bout against Mike Tyson, set for spring 2026, has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, living up to his reputation as a master provocateur. The announcement of the fight, pitting the 48-year-old undefeated legend against the 59-year-old former heavyweight king, drew heavy backlash, with fans and pundits questioning the matchup’s legitimacy due to the age and weight disparities. Mayweather, unfazed, took to Instagram Stories on September 5, 2025, to deliver a response that was quintessentially “Money”: flaunting stacks of cash and designer gear while dismissing detractors with a taunting, “Keep hating!”
The controversy erupted after CSI Sports announced the exhibition, prompting outcry over Tyson’s health and the fight’s relevance. Social media posts on X labeled it a “cash grab,” with one user writing, “Tyson’s 59, this is reckless” (@BoxingTalk). Critics highlighted the size gap—Tyson weighed 228 pounds in his last fight against Jake Paul, while Mayweather tipped the scales at 160 pounds in his 2023 bout against John Gotti III. Health concerns for Tyson, who suffered an ulcer flare-up before his November 2024 loss to Paul, further fueled the debate.
Mayweather’s retort was unapologetic. “See, I’m ballin’ the f*** out,” he declared, showing crocodile phones and Himalayan bags on a private jet. “I’d be mad too if I wasn’t getting money like this for 30 years!” His comments, reported by The Mirror, doubled down on his legacy, stating, “I’ve been doing this for 30 years, and no fighter can tarnish my legacy.” The response, dripping with bravado, polarized fans. Some admired his confidence, with @FightFanatic posting, “Floyd’s untouchable, love the flex!” Others, like @BoxingPurist, called it “tone-deaf” amid concerns for Tyson’s safety.
Tyson, for his part, added intrigue with a press release statement: “I still can’t believe Floyd wants to do this. It’s going to be detrimental to his health.” The irony wasn’t lost on fans, given Tyson’s own vulnerabilities. Yet, the fight’s financial allure is undeniable—promoters predict it will surpass the 65 million concurrent streams of Tyson’s Paul fight, which set a Netflix record. Mayweather, who generated 24 million pay-per-view buys in his career, sees the bout as a business triumph, not a sporting one.
The boxing community remains divided. Some view the exhibition as a spectacle that cheapens the sport, while others see it as a nostalgic clash of titans. As details like the venue and exact date remain pending, one thing is clear: Mayweather’s unapologetic swagger has reignited debates about legacy, money, and the state of boxing. Whether this fight delivers entertainment or controversy, it’s already a lightning rod for the sport’s future.