You’d think a guy turning 60 would be looking at retirement homes or maybe a nice set of golf clubs. Not Mike Tyson. After the absolute circus that was the Jake Paul fight in late 2024, everyone assumed "Iron Mike" had finally hung up the black trunks for good. But here we are in 2026, and the buzz is back.
The biggest question on everyone’s mind is pretty simple: what time will tyson fight start? Honestly, if you're trying to plan your Saturday night around a legend getting back in the ring, you need more than just a calendar date. You need a strategy.
The 2026 Comeback: Tyson vs. Mayweather
The sports world nearly melted down when CSI Sports and Fight Sports confirmed that Mike Tyson and Floyd "Money" Mayweather Jr. signed on for an exhibition bout. It’s the "Never Gonna Happen" fight that is actually happening.
Because it’s an exhibition, the timing works a little differently than a standard WBC title fight. We aren't looking at a 2:00 AM slugfest in a random European city. This is a massive North American production.
💡 You might also like: Who Does Kyrie Irving Play For? The 2026 Mavericks Situation Explained
When to tune in
Based on the current scheduling for the "Spring 2026" window, the main card is expected to follow the standard blockbuster boxing template. If history is any guide—and with these two, it usually is—the broadcast will kick off around 8:00 PM ET.
But don't get it twisted. Mike Tyson isn't walking out at 8:00 PM.
You’ve got a whole undercard to get through first. Usually, there are three or four supporting bouts, including at least one high-stakes women’s title fight or a "celebrity" crossover match. That means the what time will tyson fight start question has a nuanced answer:
- Broadcast Start: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT.
- Main Event Ring Walks (Estimated): 11:15 PM ET / 8:15 PM PT.
- Actual First Bell: Around 11:30 PM ET.
If you’re watching from the UK, prepare for a long night. You’re looking at a 4:30 AM or 5:00 AM start on Sunday morning. Is it worth the coffee? For Tyson, usually.
Why the Start Time Always Shifts
Boxing is notoriously bad at keeping a schedule. It’s not like a football game where the whistle blows at exactly 4:25 PM.
If the undercard fights end in early knockouts, the promoters have to scramble to fill airtime with "expert" analysis and slow-motion replays of things we just saw. On the flip side, if a 10-round war goes to a split decision with a lot of clinching, the main event gets pushed back.
✨ Don't miss: Why the 2006 Los Angeles Lakers roster was actually a miracle in disguise
During the Jake Paul fight, fans were pulling their hair out because the ring walks took forever. Expect the same here. Mayweather loves a grand entrance, and Tyson’s "Murdergram" walk is legendary for its tension. Basically, give yourself a 30-minute "buffer zone" around 11:00 PM ET.
How to Watch the 2026 Bout
Unlike the 2024 Netflix experiment, the 2026 Tyson vs. Mayweather fight is looking at a multi-platform approach. CSI Sports has been talking about a dedicated streaming partnership.
- Check your subscription: Ensure your streaming apps are updated at least two hours before the fight.
- Stable Internet: Nothing kills the vibe like a "Buffering" wheel right as Tyson throws a hook.
- Local Bars: Many sports bars will carry the event, but they usually charge a cover fee. If you're going this route, get there by 9:00 PM to snag a seat.
What to Expect from "Iron Mike" at 59
Let’s be real for a second. Tyson is 59 years old. Mayweather is 49. This isn't the 1988 version of Mike that decimated Michael Spinks in 91 seconds.
In his fight against Paul, Tyson looked fast for about six minutes, then the gas tank started to hit "E." However, Mayweather is a different kind of opponent. Floyd isn't going to bull-rush him; he’s going to dance. This might actually help Mike stay in the fight longer because he won't be chasing a 20-something-year-old around the ring.
Tyson’s camp, led by Amer Abdallah, has been adamant that Mike is in better "functional" shape than he was two years ago. They claim the ulcer issues that plagued his previous camp are a thing of the past. Whether you believe the hype or not, the spectacle alone is enough to draw millions of eyes.
Practical Steps for Fight Night
If you want to make sure you don't miss a single second of the what time will tyson fight start window, do this:
✨ Don't miss: Black NFL Coaches 2024: What Most People Get Wrong
- Set a "Pre-Game" Alarm: Set your phone for 10:30 PM ET. This gives you time to get your snacks, check the stream, and see if the undercard is running long.
- Follow Live Blogs: Sites like ESPN or MMAFighting run live "round-by-round" blogs. If they say the co-main event just started, you know you have about 45 minutes of waiting left.
- Ignore the "Fixed" Rumors: Every time Tyson fights, people claim it's scripted. Just watch it for the history. It’s two of the greatest to ever do it sharing a ring.
We probably won't see many more of these. The window for Mike Tyson to compete in any capacity is closing fast. Whether it's a "real" fight or a "stage-managed" exhibition, the electricity in the air when those lights dim and the bass drops for his entrance is something you can't fake.
Grab your drinks, settle in, and keep an eye on the clock around 11:15 PM ET. It might be the last time we see the Baddest Man on the Planet under the bright lights.