EXCLUSIVE
‘This isn’t boxing’ – Mike Tyson vs Floyd Mayweather slammed by heavyweight after shock announcement
Frazer Clarke revealed he thought the Mike Tyson vs Floyd Mayweather fight announcement was a joke.
It was recently revealed that Tyson and Mayweather will be facing off in an exhibition match in 2026.
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The news was shared on Tyson's Instagram and shocked both the boxing fraternity and fans alike, with many taking to social media to voice their opinions on the match-up.
Olympic bronze medallist boxer, Clarke, has since appeared on talkSPORT Breakfast to discuss the two legends sharing the ring.
He said: "I laughed when I saw that, I thought it was a joke.
"I think, judging on this one compared to all the other exhibitions, this has to be pure, pure exhibition. Almost pantomime stuff.
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"These are two guys with unbelievable legacies, great fighters, and people look up to them.
"I don't see what anyone gains from this other than a bag full of money, which you can't knock them for.
"This isn't boxing, this is pantomime stuff. Two greats, two legends, [but] I wouldn't call it a fight. I don't think it'd be a fight."
Tyson's last exhibition bout was in 2020, when he returned from his 15-year retirement to go eight rounds with Roy Jones Jr.
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Their bout ended in an unofficial split draw, but clearly sparked something in Tyson as he went on to fight in a sanctioned bout against Jake Paul in 2024.
The heavyweight legend lost to the Youtube-turned-boxer via unanimous decision, leading his professional record to 50-7.
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Mayweather retired in 2017 with an impressive professional record of 50-0.
While Mayweather boasts an untarnished pro record, it won't be at risk should he lose against Tyson due to the nature of their bout.
The 48-year-old said: "You already know that if I am going to do something, it's going to be big and it’s going to be legendary. I'm the best in the business of boxing. This exhibition will give the fans what they want."
As it stands a date and venue is yet to be confirmed, but it's set to be a multi-million payday for both men.
What is an exhibition bout in boxing?
An exhibition fight is not regarded as an official contest, meaning the result doesn't count on the fighter's professional record.
It enables fighters to showcase their skills without the usual pressures of winning in order to progress on to bigger opponents and opportunities.
They also act as a chance for fighters in different weight classes to meet in the ring, for example Paul and Gervonta Davis who will action their own exhibition in November.