Floyd Mayweather is set to return to the ring this summer for a tune-up fight before his blockbuster affair against Manny Pacquiao later in the year.
The 49-year-old was expected to have left the sport behind after his knockout win over UFC ace Conor McGregor almost ten years ago. Instead, as his nickname suggests, Mayweather sought out money fights, wanting to compete against big names across combat and entertainment worldwide. The exhibition boxing bout, which ran from 2018 to 2024, was filled with chaos, and two years after his last appearance in the squared circle, ‘TBE’ announced he would be stepping back into the ring.
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Since announcing his return, speculation has mounted regarding when one of the greatest boxers of all time will grace the ring once again. Rumors have been circling, and after months of suspense, Floyd Mayweather has finally confirmed the comeback date, which will serve as a warm-up ahead of his Manny Pacquiao rematch in September.
“IT’S OFFICIAL,” Mayweather said in a post on social media. “June 27 – Athens, Greece. History will be made.”
Unlike his last few outings, Floyd Mayweather will collide against a highly experienced combatant with over two and a half decades of experience.
Despite plying his trade in the kickboxing ring, Mike Zambidis has amassed 157 wins, with 87 of those coming by way of knockout during his tenure in the sport. With 24 losses also on his record, Zambidis boasts 181 total fights throughout his professional career, making him Mayweather’s most seasoned opponent.
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After ending his legendary kickboxing career in 2015, Zambidis last fought in 2019, winning his boxing debut by unanimous decision. The Greek will welcome the step up in competition when he locks horns with Mayweather in his home country on June 27.
“I’m stepping in the ring with Mike Zambidis. One night. One stage. An all-out bout you don’t want to miss,” Mayweather continued. “This will SELL OUT… fast. Be part of history from the sidelines.”
