Floyd Mayweather has not fought a sanctioned professional bout since defeating Conor McGregor in August 2017. That TKO victory pushed his perfect record to 50-0. The 49-year-old has since stayed active with lucrative exhibition matches, leaving his unblemished professional record intact.
However, Ryan Garcia is trying to change that. The 28-year-old wants to put his WBC welterweight title on the line for a fully sanctioned professional fight. Promoter Eddie Hearn recently backed Mayweather to win, claiming the bout is already agreed to behind the scenes despite no official contract being signed.
Eddie Hearn Says Floyd Mayweather vs. Ryan Garcia Is Happening
Matchroom boss told Boxing News that he dislikes seeing Floyd Mayweather participate in exhibition bouts and would welcome a legitimate contest instead. Hearn picked Mayweather to defeat Ryan Garcia, stating that coming back for a true fight at 49 years old would display real greatness. He noted that his understanding is the fight is moving forward.
Hearn said, “If he wants to come back and fight Ryan Garcia, I’m all for it … because that’s a real fight. By the way, I think Floyd beats him. But to come back and do it – that’s actually a sign of greatness. As I understand it, Ryan Garcia against Floyd Mayweather is on.”
🚨 Eddie Hearn says Floyd Mayweather vs Ryan Garcia is actually happening
“I think Floyd beats him… I’m excited to see that. As I understand it, the fight is on.” 🤯
(via @BoxingNewsED) https://t.co/1KQfpIPDoO
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) October 22, 2026
“KingRy” first started the discussion about a possible bout. After two camps reportedly began discussions, the 28-year-old went public on X on Wednesday to announce that Mayweather had agreed to a professional bout. Garcia emphasized that he will not accept an exhibition match and demanded that Mayweather risk his undefeated record.
He wrote on X, “Trust me at first I thought this was bull***. But it’s real. Floyd and I agree to a fight. 147 for the WBC welterweight championship of the world. 50-0 vs The current champ.”
Trust me at first I thought this was bull***
But it’s real Floyd and I agree to a fight
147 for the WBC welterweight championship of the world
50-0 vs The current champ
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) October 21, 2026
Garcia defended his WBC title against Conor Benn in September with a second-round finish. He officially won the belt in February by defeating previous champion Mario Barrios.
“Money” has not commented on Garcia’s callout, as he is currently dealing with a major legal battle. CSI Sports is reportedly seeking $6.65 million in restitution over allegations that Mayweather pocketed $4.65 million in advance money for fights with Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao before breaching their exclusive agreement.
ALSO READ: Eddie Hearn Drops Contract Revelation on Dana White’s Involvement in Anthony Joshua-Tyson Fury Fight
This dispute leaves it unclear if he will receive clearance to step back inside a professional boxing ring.
