Floyd Mayweather has confirmed his next fight — and in doing so, has left both Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao plans hanging.
Mayweather will face Mike Zambidis in Athens, Greece on June 27, locking in an exhibition that had previously only been hinted at on social media.
Mayweather has gone in a different direction — one that carries no risk to his 50-0 record.
This one is real. The others never got that far.
When Mayweather first mentioned Zambidis, it carried the same uncertainty as the proposed Tyson clash, which surfaced online but never moved forward. Now, tickets are on sale and a venue is secured. The fight is locked.
Nothing ever followed with Tyson.
Tyson fight fades out
As World Boxing News reported when April 25 was being discussed, the proposed bout with Mike Tyson never followed the usual Mayweather rollout. There was no sustained promotion, no confirmation, and no push as the date approached.
The idea appeared, gathered attention, and then disappeared.
At this stage, it looks done, particularly given Tyson’s age and the complete lack of movement as the timeline passed.
Pacquiao still waiting
The Pacquiao rematch remains in play, but only on paper.
Recent progress removed a contractual sticking point, and a September 19 date at Sphere in Las Vegas is being held by Pacquiao Promotions. Mayweather is also understood to have received a cash advance after early disagreements over whether the fight would be professional or an exhibition.
Even so, there has been no confirmation.
Everything around Pacquiao is progressing — except the part that matters.
Zambidis fight takes priority
Zambidis is now front and center.
It doesn’t replace Pacquiao — it buys Mayweather time.
The June 27 bout gives Mayweather a confirmed return while the bigger deal remains unfinished, but it also raises a familiar issue.
Control.
Pacquiao’s side, led by CEO Jas Mathur, is driving the process. That is not how Mayweather has typically operated. Throughout his career, he has dictated terms, timing, and promotion.
That balance has not been established yet.
With Zambidis confirmed, Mayweather’s short-term path is clear. What happens next depends on whether he takes control back — or allows the Pacquiao fight to move forward without it.
Until that changes, Zambidis isn’t a detour — it’s the only fight that actually exists.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.
