Floyd Mayweather Jr. returns to the ring to take on Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis for an exhibition fight in Athens, Greece on June 27th.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. is set to return to the ring this summer for a high-profile exhibition clash against legendary Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis in Athens, Greece.
The event, titled “Battle of the Legends: Mayweather vs. Zambidis,” will take place Saturday, June 27, at the Telekom Center inside the OAKA Olympic Complex and will stream globally on pay-per-view. The exhibition is being presented by Mayweather Promotions, Frontrow Fight Series, and Zambidis Club.
Mayweather, widely regarded as one of boxing’s greatest fighters, retired with a perfect (50-0; 27KOs) professional record and captured 15 world titles across five weight divisions during his career. Since stepping away from professional competition in 2017, the former pound-for-pound king has remained active through international exhibition bouts staged in countries including Japan, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
Don't expect this fight to be a hindrance for his big time rematch against Manny Pacquiao which was scheduled for mid-September, but now looks as if it will be moved to mid-August.. There are still issues with that fight as both camps seem to be taking jabs at each other with whether that fight is going to be an officially sanctioned fight or also an exhibition.
“This is an opportunity for me to sharpen my skills for what’s to come this year,” Mayweather said in a statement announcing the fight. “I’ve never fought in Greece before, but I look forward to experiencing their beautiful country and meeting their people. Mike Zambidis has achieved a lot in his sport, but I’ve stayed sharp and I’m ready for anything thrown my way.”
The matchup brings together two decorated combat sports icons from different disciplines. Zambidis, nicknamed “Iron Mike,” built a legendary reputation in kickboxing through his success in K-1 MAX competition and his explosive knockout power. The Athens native amassed a combined professional combat sports record of 158 victories with 87 knockouts and won 18 world championships throughout his career.
In addition to his kickboxing accomplishments, Zambidis also competed as an amateur boxer and was part of Greece’s pre-Olympic boxing squad ahead of the 2000 Sydney Olympics. His popularity in Greece helped make him one of the country’s most recognizable combat sports figures.
“It’s an incredible thrill for me to face the great Floyd Mayweather,” Zambidis said. “I have faced many of the best fighters of several disciplines, but I am looking forward to testing my skills against one of the greatest boxers of all time and I’m very happy to be having this experience in front of my beloved Greek people.”
Event organizer Keane Anis said the exhibition is expected to draw global attention from fight fans eager to see two accomplished champions meet in the ring.
“This is an important event for the people of Greece and fight fans worldwide,” Anis said. “Like our previous events with Floyd Mayweather, this, too, will be a great success.”
If this fight is actually going to happen, that must mean that Mayweather expects his passport situation to be resolved in time to be able to travel to Greece for this fight.