Mike Zambidis to Face Floyd Mayweather in Athens Exhibition Bout
Athens, March 4, 2026 – Veteran Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis will take on boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition bout this June in Athens. This high-profile event is scheduled to precede Mayweather’s highly anticipated September rematch with Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas.
Zambidis, 45, boasts an impressive kickboxing record of 157 wins and 24 losses, with 87 knockouts. His last official fight was in June 2015, making his return to the ring against a legendary opponent a significant occasion for combat sports enthusiasts.
Mayweather, 49, announced his fourth return from retirement two weeks ago, stating that the Athens bout will serve as crucial preparation for his first professional boxing match in nine years. The boxing icon shared his excitement on Instagram, posting, “2026 is already shaping up to be an exciting year for me. I’m on the way to entertain!! Athens, Greece, get ready. This summer will be a legendary battle.”
The exhibition match in Athens is expected to draw significant attention, bringing together fans of both kickboxing and boxing to witness two formidable athletes in action. For Zambidis, it’s an opportunity to showcase his skills against one of boxing’s all-time greats, while for Mayweather, it’s a strategic move to fine-tune his form before his much-anticipated rematch with Pacquiao.
The Pacquiao rematch is scheduled for September 19 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, adding another layer of intrigue to Mayweather’s decision to participate in the Athens exhibition. This preparation bout highlights Mayweather’s commitment to delivering a top-tier performance in his professional return.
The announcement has generated considerable buzz across social media and sports news outlets, with fans eagerly awaiting further details regarding ticket sales and broadcast information for the Athens event. This unique crossover event promises to be a memorable occasion for the city of Athens and the global combat sports community.
Source: BBC.
