Two of boxing’s most recognisable figures, Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather, are preparing to meet in a high-profile exhibition contest next year.

The event, to be staged by CSI Sports/Fight Sports, has yet to confirm key details including the venue, date, broadcast arrangements and the rules under which the bout will take place.

Tyson, now 59, once reigned as the undisputed heavyweight champion. He amassed 50 wins from 59 contests, all at heavyweight, before walking away from the sport. He only returned briefly in November after a 19-year absence, when he was beaten by YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.

Speaking about the latest announcement, Tyson admitted the prospect had caught even him by surprise.

“This fight is something neither the world nor I ever thought would or could happen,” he said. “However, boxing has entered a new era of the unpredictable and this fight is as unpredictable as it gets,” he said.

Mayweather, 48, closed out his professional career unbeaten in 50 fights, lifting belts in five different weight divisions, most notably at welterweight. Since retiring in 2017 he has remained active on the exhibition circuit, with his most recent appearance coming against John Gotti III in August of last year.

Although contests of this type do not officially contribute to fighters’ records, the intrigue surrounding the pairing is already considerable.

Mayweather said the spectacle would live up to expectations.

“You already know that if I am going to do something, it’s going to be big and it’s going to be legendary,” he said. “I’m the best in the business of boxing. This exhibition will give the fans what they want.”