Floyd Mayweather Jr. will face Greek combat sports legend Mike Zambidis in an exhibition boxing match on June 27, 2026, with DAZN officially securing the global broadcasting rights for the event. Titled “Battle of the Legends: Mayweather vs.
Zambidis,” the full-contact bout is set to take place at the Telekom Center within the OAKA Olympic Complex in Athens, Greece. This marks the first time Mayweather has competed in the country, bringing a high-profile spectacle to the venue that famously hosted the 2004 Summer Games.
The 49-year-old Mayweather, who retired from professional boxing in 2017 with a perfect 50-0 record after defeating Conor McGregor, has spent recent years headlines for various exhibition tours.
While he has remained active in these non-scored bouts, he has not faced a legitimate professional boxer in a sanctioned match since his September 2015 victory over Andre Berto. Now, he brings his “Money” brand to the Mediterranean to face a local hero who is equally storied in the world of kickboxing.
Mike “Iron” Zambidis, currently 45 and approaching his 46th birthday in mid-July, is widely considered Greece’s greatest combat sports export. With a combined boxing and kickboxing record of 158-22 and 87 knockouts, Zambidis captured 18 world titles during a career that saw him become a mainstay of the K-1 MAX era.
Although the exhibition will not count toward the professional records of either fighter, the clash represents a unique crossover between a defensive boxing master and a power-punching kickboxing specialist.
Broadcasting details and ticket availability for Athens exhibition
DAZN confirmed on June 10, 2026, that it would stream the event live internationally, including the United States. Fans can access the match as a one-off pay-per-view (PPV) purchase or as part of a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
For American viewers, the broadcast is listed for Sunday, June 28, at 1:00 AM EST, while local fans in Greece will see the main event begin at approximately 8:00 PM local time on Saturday night.
Tickets for the event are currently on sale through major platforms including Ticketmaster, More.com, StubHub, and Ticombo. Secondary market listings on StubHub show prices starting between $80 and $152, reflecting the high demand for Mayweather’s Greek debut.
The event is co-produced by Frontrow Fight Series, Mayweather Promotions, and Zambidis Club, with local support from major sponsors such as SEAJETS and X-treme Stores, Greece’s largest fitness chain.
Keane Anis, CEO of Frontrow Fight Series, described the matchup as a significant moment for the region. “This is an important event for the people of Greece and fight fans worldwide who wonder what would happen if two of the world’s best collided,” Anis stated during the announcement.
The atmosphere is expected to be electric, given that Zambidis will be fighting in front of his “beloved Greek people” for what could be one of his final appearances in the ring.
Mayweather views Zambidis clash as preparation for 2026 goals
Floyd Mayweather Jr. has remained candid about the fact that this June exhibition serves a dual purpose. Beyond the commercial opportunity, he noted that the clash with Zambidis “is an opportunity for me to sharpen my skills for what’s to come this year.”
This comment adds fuel to reports that Mayweather is targeting a professional rematch with Manny Pacquiao for later in 2026, possibly on September 19 or September 25.
That rumored Pacquiao rematch has faced venue hurdles, as it was originally slated for The Sphere in Las Vegas before the venue booked an Eagles residency instead. While Terence Crawford recently rejected comeback rumors elsewhere in the sport, Mayweather’s camp remains focused on staying active.
By taking on an elite striker like Zambidis, Mayweather can test his timing and reflexes without the immediate risk of a professional loss.
Zambidis, meanwhile, sees the fight as the ultimate test of his career longevity. “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,” Zambidis said.
It is a rare chance for the Greek veteran to compete under boxing-specific rules, which may neutralize some of his kickboxing tools but will showcase his renowned punching power against a legendary defense.
Undercard and entertainment highlights at the OAKA Complex
The “Battle of the Legends” is being marketed as more than just a boxing match, following the trend of recent crossover boxing spectacles. Promoters have indicated that the card will feature two world title bouts with international-level fighters. While specific names have yet to be officially announced, the lineup is expected to be a mix of established professionals and rising prospects.
In addition to the boxing, the night will include live entertainment and a concert, transforming the Telekom Center into a festival-style event. This lifestyle-heavy approach has become a hallmark of Mayweather’s post-retirement appearances in cities like Dubai and Tokyo.
The inclusion of high-level musical acts is intended to draw a broader audience to the OAKA Complex, which remains a symbol of Greek sporting pride over two decades after the Olympics.
Specific rules for the exhibition, including the exact round count and weight class, have not been formally publicized by Frontrow Fight Series. However, preliminary indications suggest an eight-round format in the Super Welterweight division, capped at 154 pounds (69.8 kg).
Whether a winner will be officially announced remains to be seen, as many Mayweather exhibitions are strictly non-scored, focuses solely on the display of skill and showmanship.
