Mayweather vs Tyson in Jeopardy

Shadow Over the ‘Rumble in the Jungle II’: Mayweather vs Tyson in Jeopardy Amid Legal and Financial Crisis

KINSHASA — The scheduled "Rumble in the Jungle" revival between Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather and ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson appears to have collapsed just 24 hours before the opening bell, as the undefeated boxing legend finds himself ensnared in a web of escalating legal and financial disputes.

Originally slated for Saturday 25th April, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the exhibition bout has descended into silence. With no confirmed broadcaster, no visible promotional infrastructure in Kinshasa, and Tyson reportedly nursing a hand injury, the 49-year-old Mayweather has pivoted to a new June date in Athens, leaving a trail of creditors and lawsuits in his wake.

The $7 Million Tax Shadow

The crisis reached a fever pitch this week following reports that the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has filed a fresh $7.2 million tax lien against Mayweather for unpaid taxes dating back to 2018 and 2023.

While Mayweather has notoriously flaunted a "billion-dollar" lifestyle, the mounting domestic legal action suggests a far more precarious financial landscape. The IRS lien is only the beginning of a litany of civil claims filed against the star this month:

• Private Jet Dispute: A Los Angeles court filing from Jet Set Aircraft alleges $105,690 in unpaid charter fees.

• Jewellery Debts: Two Miami-based jewellers have filed suits claiming unpaid balances totalling nearly $5.5 million for luxury watches and gold chains.

• Manhattan Rent: Legal action has been initiated over $338,000 in allegedly unpaid rent for a luxury duplex at the Baccarat Hotel.

The ‘Contractual Trap’ of the Pacquiao Rematch

The collapse of the Tyson bout has placed a spotlight on Mayweather’s even bigger 2026 commitment: a September rematch with Manny Pacquiao at The Sphere in Las Vegas, set to be streamed by Netflix.

However, even this "mega-fight" is under threat. Pacquiao’s camp has accused Mayweather of attempting to "unilaterally reclassify" the professional bout as a non-scored exhibition to protect his 50-0 record.

“He cannot get out of this contract,” Pacquiao told Inside the Ring on Thursday. “Dignity and integrity matter. He will face nine-figure consequences if he fails this commitment.”

Floyd Mayweather’s Turbulent 2026 Calendar

‘Money’ Fights Back

Mayweather has not remained passive, launching a $340 million countersuit against Showtime Networks and former executive Stephen Espinoza. The boxer alleges a misappropriation of funds from his historic career earnings, suggesting the network failed in its fiduciary duty to protect his financial interests.

Despite the bravado, the absence of a major US broadcaster for the Tyson fight—and the sudden pivot to a Greek kickboxer—has led many to wonder if the "Money" brand is losing its lustre with television executives.

The End of the Exhibition Era?

For years, Mayweather has treated post-retirement exhibitions as "fun, low-risk entertainment," but the current climate suggests the stakes have changed. With Mike Tyson, 59, reportedly "mentally checked out" of the Congolese event following a lack of payment guarantees, the boxing world is beginning to question if Mayweather can still deliver the "legendary" spectacles he promises.

As of Friday morning, fans who travelled to Kinshasa for the event have been met with empty arenas and no official word from the promoters. For a man who built a career on being "The Best Ever," Mayweather currently finds himself fighting his toughest battles far away from the ring.