Floyd Mayweather to face Mike Zambidis in Athens
Floyd Mayweather has confirmed that he will return to the ring on June 27, opposing Greek kickboxing veteran Mike Zambidis in Athens, reports BritPanorama.
The American boxing legend announced his next bout through a post on X, sharing an official promotional poster for the event. “IT’S OFFICIAL. June 27 Athens, Greece. History will be made,” Mayweather stated, adding, “I’m stepping in the ring with Mike Zambidis. One night. One stage. An all-out bout you don’t want to miss.”
This announcement comes shortly after a planned showdown with boxing icon Mike Tyson was called off. Initially scheduled for April 26 at a venue in Congo, the clash between the 49-year-old Mayweather and 59-year-old Tyson faced setbacks earlier this year due to the lack of a broadcaster to televise the event.
Tyson hinted at the cancellation in March, citing a hand injury that required attention. With the Tyson fight now scrapped, Mayweather’s upcoming match against Zambidis will serve as a preparatory bout ahead of a significant rematch against Manny Pacquiao in September. Netflix has secured broadcasting rights for this eagerly anticipated Las Vegas encounter.
The pair previously met in 2015, and Mayweather emerged victorious in what was dubbed the “Fight of the Century.” However, recent developments have complicated the scheduling, particularly as Mayweather indicated that the rematch would not risk his perfect professional record, stating it would be treated as an exhibition rather than a sanctioned professional fight.
As the deadline set by Team Pacquiao looms, Mayweather faces increasing scrutiny over his commitments. Pacquiao expressed his belief that Mayweather cannot simply back out of their agreement, warning of potential consequences should he fail to fulfil the terms. Meanwhile, Tyson is expected to continue his recovery as he prepares for his own future in the ring.
In the world of boxing, surprises are all but guaranteed, but this latest twist serves as a reminder of how quickly plans can unravel—and how even the most committed rivalries can be put on hold for unforeseen reasons.
