Froch Voices Concerns Over Potential Tyson-Mayweather Exhibition

Former world champion Carl Froch has expressed reservations about the proposed exhibition match between Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr., according to international reports on Wednesday.

The buzz around a potential exhibition bout featuring boxing icons Tyson and Mayweather Jr. surfaced last week, with the event tentatively scheduled for next year.

Mayweather Jr. stated in a press release that his legacy remains untarnished and that the exhibition fight is intended to fulfill fan expectations.

Froch, a four-time world champion in the super middleweight division, disagrees with the concept, stating that there is no real purpose for such a match.

“Personally, I don’t believe this fight should proceed. While it’s an exhibition, it’s being billed as a clash between two significant figures in boxing history. However, there are considerable disparities, including one being significantly smaller than the other,” Froch noted.

“Tyson is approaching 60, while Mayweather, at 49, is still in relatively good shape. To me, it’s a fight that lacks a compelling rationale. What purpose does it serve? What will either fighter gain from it?” he questioned.

Froch emphasized that despite the age gap, the physical differences between Tyson and Mayweather would be a key factor.

“I’m not in favor of this bout. Are there potential health risks involved? I doubt Mayweather could inflict any real damage on Tyson,” Froch commented.

“His size is a limiting factor. While the height difference isn’t extreme, Mayweather will appear diminutive next to Tyson, who is large, sturdy, and powerfully built. The weight discrepancy will be substantial.”

Mayweather, 48, initially retired after defeating MMA star Conor McGregor in 2017. Since then, he has engaged in multiple exhibition matches, most recently against John Gotti III in August 2024.

Tyson retired in 2005, holding the distinction of being the youngest boxer to secure a heavyweight title at 20 years old.

Tyson achieved victory in his initial 19 professional matches via knockout, with 12 occurring in the opening round.

Notably, Tyson returned to the ring in November of the previous year, facing Jake Paul in a match that the YouTuber-turned-boxer won via unanimous decision.