Exhibition headlines pay-per-view event at OAKA Olympic Complex
Floyd Mayweather will face Mike Zambidis in an exhibition on June 27 in Athens. The bout headlines a pay-per-view event at the OAKA Olympic Complex.
The 49-0 former five-division world champion has spent the last several years traveling from Dubai to Japan and the United Kingdom for exhibitions against MMA fighters, YouTubers, and crossover opponents. This latest event follows the same formula, although Zambidis brings more combat pedigree than many of Mayweather’s recent opponents.
Zambidis, 45, is one of the biggest names in Greek kickboxing history and built his reputation in K-1 MAX with an aggressive pressure style and knockout power. He also boxed as an amateur and was connected to Greece’s Olympic setup before the 2000 Sydney Games.
Organizers are billing the matchup as a clash between two combat sports legends rather than a traditional boxing exhibition.
“This is an opportunity for me to sharpen my skills for what’s to come this year,” said Mayweather. “I’ve never fought in Greece before, but I look forward to experiencing their beautiful country and meeting their people. Mike Zambidis has achieved a lot in his sport, but I’ve stayed sharp and I’m ready for anything thrown my way.”
The interesting part is Mayweather mentioning “what’s to come this year,” hinting that more exhibitions could already be lined up beyond the Greece event. That has become the pattern with Floyd’s second career. The fights are less about competition and more about global appearances tied to major live-event business deals.
Zambidis treated the matchup as a career moment for Greek fans.
“It’s an incredible thrill for me to face the great Floyd Mayweather,” said Zambidis. “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, and I’m very happy to be having this experience in front of my beloved Greek people.”
The event is being promoted by Frontrow Fight Series, Mayweather Promotions, and Zambidis Club. Pay-per-view information is expected to be announced later.