Floyd Mayweather is officially scheduled to return to the ring this summer, ahead of his clash with Manny Pacquiao later this year.

The shocker was that earlier this year it was announced that Mayweather would end his nearly decade-long retirement and return to competition face former foe Pacquiao on September 19 at The Sphere in Las Vegas.

However, doubts have been raised about the fight in recent weeks, with Mayweather claiming the fight will be an exhibition rather than a professional fight, while Pacquiao insists it will be a fully sanctioned fight.

As the confusion surrounding this fight continues, one thing is certain that Mayweather is expected to compete before his fight with Pacquiao, after he confirmed details about the June exhibition.

Mayweather was scheduled to fight both Mike Tyson and Mike Zambidis this year, and while there is no further information on Tyson’s fight, Mayweather posted on social media officially reveal the details of his fight with Zambidis.

“IT’S OFFICIAL. June 27 – Athens, Greece. History will be made. I’m stepping into the ring with Mike Zambidis. One night. One stage. An all-out fight you can’t miss.”

Zambidis is a Greek kickboxing legend who has won multiple world titles during his career in the sport, but has only competed professionally once, winning in March 2019.

The Zambidis fight gives Mayweather a chance to get busy, but most boxing fans will be keen to resolve the issues surrounding his fight with Pacquiao as the two boxing legends look to resume their rivalry since their first meeting in 2015.

Nelson didn’t hesitate when asked about his comments. He said Hamed was “delusional” and said the criticism only confirmed how far their relationship had fallen apart.

“I thought this kid was delusional,” Nelson told Sport Boxing. “After Giant I thought this kid hadn’t changed, and when I saw the show I thought you’ve definitely gotten worse.”

Nelson said he recently ignored two messages from Hamed on WhatsApp and is not interested in renewing the friendship.

“I turned him off. I don’t associate with him,” Nelson said. “If you look like an idiot, you feed him.”

The former cruiserweight champion made it clear that while he still respects Hamed’s achievements in the ring, he no longer respects him as a person.

“Do I admire what he’s accomplished? A lot,” Nelson said. “But as a person, I lost complete and utter respect for him.”

Much of Nelson’s anger appears to have to do with Hamed’s criticism of overdue coach Brendan Ingle, to whom both players attribute their careers. Nelson said he couldn’t accept the way Hamed spoke about a man he believed gave everything to the gym.

The public feud has escalated into one of the ugliest old-fashioned feuds in British boxing, with two former world champions now trading personal shots instead of memories.

It’s challenging to watch because these two are icons of the golden age of English in Sheffield. When you see former stablemates exchanging shots this overdue in life, you usually get the impression that there’s a lot of unhealed history behind them.

Naz’s “snake” comment clearly hit a nerve, but Nelson’s reaction suggests his real problem is his perceived lack of respect for Brendan Ingle. For Nelson, Brendan was the man who kept him afloat when he was struggling. The sight of Naz attacking that legacy seems to be a deal-breaker.

Nelson willingly gives Naz flowers for what he did in the ring, but closes the door on him himself. It’s a shame to see them at odds, especially since they were once the face of the same team, but Nelson seems to have found a lot of peace by simply pressing “block” and moving on.

Floyd Mayweather has confirmed his next fight, leaving Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao’s plans up in the air.

Mayweather will face Mike Zambidis on June 27 in Athens, Greece, in an exhibition that has previously only been mentioned on social media.

Mayweather has gone in a different direction – one that doesn’t involve risk to his 50-0 record.

This one is real. Others never made it this far.

When Mayweather first mentioned Zambidis, it carried the same uncertainty as the proposed Tyson fight, which appeared online but never followed up. Tickets are already on sale and the place is secured. The fight is closed.

Nothing ever came after Tyson.

Tyson’s fight is over

As World Boxing News reported when the April 25 date was discussed, the proposed fight with Mike Tyson never followed Mayweather’s usual fight. As the deadline approached, there was no sustained promotion, confirmation or push.

An idea appeared, gained attention, and then disappeared.

At this stage it looks like he’s done, especially considering Tyson’s age and complete lack of movement over time.

Pacquiao is still waiting

A rematch with Pacquiao remains on the cards, but only on paper.

Recent progress has removed a sticking point in the contract, and Pacquiao Promotions hosts the fight on September 19 at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Mayweather is also understood to have received a cash advance after early disagreements over whether the fight would be professional or exhibition.

Still, there was no confirmation.

Everything around Pacquiao is improving – except the part that matters.

The priority is the fight against Zambidis

Zambidis is now in central defense.

He’s not replacing Pacquiao – he’s buying time for Mayweather.

The June 27 fight will see Mayweather confirmed to return while the larger deal remains unfinished, but it also raises a familiar issue.

Control.

Pacquiao’s team, led by CEO Jas Mathur, is leading the process. This wasn’t how Mayweather usually behaved. Throughout his career, he dictated conditions, deadlines and promotions.

This balance has not yet been determined.

With Zambidis confirmed, Mayweather’s short-term path is clear. What happens next depends on whether she regains control or allows the Pacquiao fight to continue without her.

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 boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Read the full biography.