The exhibition match against kickboxer Mike Zambidis was called off just days before it was set.
Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s latest exhibition boxing appearance will not move forward as planned.
The undefeated boxing great was scheduled to face former kickboxing champion Mike Zambidis on June 27 in Athens, Greece, but the event has officially been canceled following a legal dispute that has created uncertainty around the fight and its promotion.
According to court documents filed in New York and obtained by multiple outlets, attorneys representing Mayweather informed the court that organizers had decided to call off the exhibition due to mounting complications surrounding the case and concerns about the event’s financial viability.
The cancellation comes just days before thousands of fans were expected to gather in Athens to watch the highly anticipated matchup between the Hall of Fame boxer and the Greek kickboxing star.
Legal dispute creates uncertainty around event
The exhibition became the center of a legal battle after promoter CSI Entertainment filed a lawsuit in federal court in New York.
The company alleges that Mayweather received millions of dollars in advance payments connected to proposed fights involving former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. According to court filings, CSI claims those planned bouts did not move forward despite the advance payments.
As part of its legal action, the promoter sought an injunction that would prevent Mayweather from participating in other fights while the dispute remains unresolved. The request specifically targeted the planned exhibition with Zambidis and sought restrictions on future bouts until contractual issues are addressed.
The legal challenge quickly created complications for organizers preparing for Saturday’s event.
Ticket sales and broadcast plans affected
As the court proceedings continued, several key components of the exhibition began to unravel.
Ticket sales reportedly came to a halt after legal notices related to the lawsuit were issued. The disruption created uncertainty for fans who had planned to attend the event in person.
The broadcast side of the event also faced challenges. Streaming platform DAZN had been expected to carry the exhibition but stepped away from the planned broadcast while awaiting further clarity from the courts.
With both ticket distribution and broadcasting arrangements affected, concerns grew over whether the event could proceed successfully on such short notice.
Court documents indicate organizers ultimately concluded that the exhibition’s commercial prospects had suffered too much damage to continue as scheduled.
Judge had not yet issued ruling
The cancellation occurred before the court had an opportunity to make a final decision regarding CSI Entertainment’s request.
Earlier this week, U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick held a hearing lasting approximately two hours to review arguments from both sides. Rather than issuing an immediate ruling, the judge requested additional information from attorneys involved in the case.
The court had given both parties until Thursday afternoon to provide responses to outstanding questions. Before that process could be completed, however, the decision was made to pull the plug on the exhibition.
Legal representatives for Mayweather indicated that the event may still be rescheduled in the future depending on how the court ultimately rules and whether the parties can resolve the issues surrounding the dispute.
Uncertain future for Mayweather’s exhibition plans
Mayweather has spent much of his post retirement boxing career participating in exhibition contests around the world.
Since stepping away from professional competition with a perfect 50-0 record, the former world champion has remained active through a series of showcase events that have attracted significant attention and generated strong ticket sales.
The matchup with Zambidis was expected to continue that trend. The event paired one of boxing’s most recognizable figures with a celebrated kickboxing veteran in a contest designed to appeal to international audiences.
Instead, the exhibition now joins a growing list of sporting events impacted by legal and contractual disagreements behind the scenes.
For now, fans hoping to see Mayweather compete in Greece will have to wait. While organizers have left the door open for a future date, no rescheduled event has been announced.
As the legal proceedings continue in New York, the future of the canceled exhibition and any potential replacement plans remains uncertain.