If you’re refreshing your feed trying to figure out what time does the mike tyson fight start, you aren't alone. We’ve reached a weird era where 59-year-old legends are the biggest draw in the sport. After the spectacle with Jake Paul last year, "Iron Mike" is officially back for more. This time, he’s trading the "Problem Child" for the "Pretty Boy."
Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have actually signed the papers for a 2026 exhibition. It sounds like a video game fever dream. But it’s happening.
Since we are currently in early 2026, the buzz is hitting a fever pitch. Most fans are still scarred from the Netflix buffering issues during the Paul fight, so they’re trying to plan their nights early. You don't want to be the person stuck in a digital waiting room while the opening bell rings.
The 2026 Fight Night Schedule
Right now, the most concrete info we have points toward a March 2026 date. While the promoters at CSI Sports have been a bit cagey about the exact minute-by-minute itinerary, we can look at how these massive events usually roll out.
If this follows the standard global broadcast model, the main card will likely kick off at 8:00 PM ET. If you’re on the West Coast, that’s a 5:00 PM start. For the fans across the pond in the UK, you’re looking at a 1:00 AM wake-up call.
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But here is the thing: the main event never starts when the card starts.
If you only care about seeing Tyson and Mayweather walk to the ring, you're realistically looking at a 11:00 PM ET to 11:30 PM ET window. Boxing is notorious for "TV time," which basically means they’ll stretch the undercard until everyone has finished their popcorn and the streaming servers are at maximum capacity.
Where is this actually happening?
Tyson let it slip during a live appearance recently that the fight might be headed to Africa. This would be a massive "Rumble in the Jungle" throwback. If that venue holds, the local time difference is going to make the "what time does the mike tyson fight start" question a lot more complicated for American viewers.
A fight in Africa usually means a prime-time slot locally, which could push the US broadcast into the afternoon or very early morning. However, for a gate this big, they almost always cater to the US Eastern Time Zone. Expect a tape delay or a very late night for the locals to ensure the American PPV numbers hit their targets.
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Why the Start Time Always Changes
You’ve probably noticed that boxing schedules are basically suggestions. You sit down at 9:00 PM, and suddenly you're watching a four-round heavyweight bout between two guys you’ve never heard of.
- The Undercard Factor: If the earlier fights end in early knockouts, the main event moves up.
- Streaming Logistics: Large platforms (like whatever partner CSI selects) often need a "buffer" period to handle the surge of millions of concurrent viewers.
- The Pageantry: Tyson doesn't just walk to the ring. There are video packages, musical performances, and probably ten minutes of anthems.
Honestly, if you tune in right at 10:30 PM ET, you’ll usually catch the tail end of the co-main event, which is the perfect "safe" time to ensure you don't miss the Tyson walkout.
What Most People Get Wrong About Tyson’s Current Form
Look, Mike is nearly 60. When people ask what time the fight starts, they’re often expecting the 1988 version of Tyson to walk through those ropes. That guy is gone.
In the Jake Paul fight, we saw a Tyson that had about two rounds of "scary" left in him before the gas tank hit empty. Against Mayweather, the dynamic changes. Floyd is 48, much smaller, and arguably the greatest defensive wizard to ever live.
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This isn't going to be a slugfest. It’s going to be a high-speed game of tag.
- Weight Class: Tyson weighed 228 lbs for his last fight. Floyd hasn't fought above 160 lbs in an exhibition.
- The Rules: We are looking at two-minute rounds again. This is basically the "senior tour" of boxing, designed to keep everyone safe while still cashing the checks.
- Gloves: Expect 14-ounce or 16-ounce gloves. They’re pillows, basically.
Preparing for the 2026 Viewing Experience
If you’re planning a watch party, the smart move is to set your "official" start time for 9:00 PM ET. This gives your guests an hour to settle in, eat, and watch the highlights of the undercard before the real drama starts around 11:00 PM.
Keep an eye on the official CSI Sports or Fight Sports social media accounts about 48 hours before the fight. That is when the "Running Order" gets leaked. The running order will give you the specific "Walk to Ring" (WTR) times for each fighter.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
To stay ahead of the curve as the March date approaches, you should verify your streaming subscription status at least a week before. Don't be the person trying to reset their password while the ring walks are happening.
Also, check the final weigh-in results the day before. If Tyson looks sluggish or Floyd looks like he didn't train, it’ll tell you everything you need to know about whether this is a "fight" or just a very expensive sparring session. If the venue is confirmed for Africa, double-check your local listings for a "Live" vs. "Delayed" broadcast to ensure you aren't seeing spoilers on social media before the fight even airs in your region.
Final Breakdown of Expected Times (ET):
- Preliminary Fights: 6:00 PM
- Main Card Begins: 8:00 PM
- Tyson vs. Mayweather Ring Walks: 11:15 PM (Estimated)