Floyd Mayweather Returns in Athens, Greece on June 27

ATHENS, June 27, 2026 – Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. is once again preparing to command the global spotlight as the undefeated boxing icon headlines BATTLE OF THE LEGENDS at the Telekom Center Athens within the OAKA Olympic Complex. Broadcast live worldwide on DAZN, the event is expected to draw millions of viewers as one of the most significant combat sports spectacles ever staged in Greece.

Despite retiring from professional boxing with a perfect 50-0 record, Mayweather remains one of the sport’s biggest attractions. The former five-division world champion captured 15 major world titles during a career defined by defensive brilliance, technical precision, and unmatched ring intelligence. Nearly a decade after his final professional victory, Mayweather continues to generate worldwide interest through high-profile exhibition appearances that showcase one of boxing’s most accomplished competitors.

However, Mayweather’s return to the ring comes amid renewed scrutiny outside of boxing. Earlier this year, reports emerged that the Internal Revenue Service filed a tax lien against the former champion for approximately $7.3 million in alleged unpaid taxes related to the 2018 and 2023 tax years. Reports have also suggested that the matter could potentially affect his international travel if not resolved, adding another layer of intrigue to his appearance in Athens. Mayweather has faced tax disputes in the past and has consistently maintained his status as one of the highest-earning athletes in sports history.

Tax issues aside, which clearly have been resolved enough for Mayweather to travel internationally. This fight also brings into question whether we will ever see Mayweather/Pacquiao II. That long anticipated rematch has been put on the calendar but the dates and venue have already changed. We also still don't know if it's going to be an officially sanctioned bout or an exhibition. Also the risk of an injury in any fight is always on the board, especially as a fighter gets longer in the tooth. 

Inside the ring, Mayweather will face one of Greece’s most celebrated combat sports figures, “Iron” Mike Zambidis. An 18-time world champion renowned for his aggressive style and knockout power, Zambidis built an international reputation through a distinguished career in boxing and kickboxing. His showdown with Mayweather represents a rare meeting between two combat sports legends from different backgrounds, creating a matchup that has generated significant anticipation among fans worldwide.

Also this match against the Greek kickboxer now has heightened fanfare due to the other scheduled exhibition between Mayweather and the more famous "Iron" Mike being delayed until the fall. Floyd was set to take on Mike Tyson on May 30th, but Tyson had to pull out of that date due to a training injury. 

While the main event will dominate headlines, BATTLE OF THE LEGENDS features an extensive undercard spanning boxing, kickboxing, MMA, Muay Thai, and freestyle wrestling. The event includes multiple championship contests, appearances by rising prospects, and several international title fights featuring athletes from across Europe, North America, Asia, and South America.

Among the evening’s notable attractions will be the professional boxing debut of former UFC fighter Ihor Potieria against Antonio Zepeda of Mayweather’s TMT team, as well as Canadian prospect Joseph Brown facing Greek champion Leonidas Sopranidis. The co-main event will see Portugal’s Octávio Pudivitr battle Colombia’s Roamer Alexis Angulo for the WBC International Silver Championship.

Yet the focus of the night remains firmly on Mayweather. Whether viewed as boxing’s greatest defensive fighter, one of its most successful businessmen, or one of its most polarizing personalities, his presence ensures global attention. As Athens welcomes fans from around the world, BATTLE OFTHE LEGENDS promises a historic evening highlighted by the return of a fighter whose name continues to resonate far beyond the ropes.