Mike Tyson may have stepped away from professional boxing, but his involvement in the sport remains strong. On Saturday night at the SAHARA Theatre inside the SAHARA Las Vegas, the former heavyweight champion organized the first-ever Mike Tyson Invitational, an amateur boxing showcase. Instead of the event costing organizers money as many might expect, Tyson’s initiative ended up receiving a $100,000 contribution.
The venue’s official social media account revealed that Alex Meruelo presented Tyson with the donation at the end of the event. In a video shared online, Meruelo handed Tyson a ceremonial check, explaining that the contribution was meant to support the long-term future of the invitational and help ensure more events like it can take place.
Meruelo explained that he was deeply impressed by the dedication shown by the athletes and everyone involved in the competition. He emphasized that the donation was not only meant to support the current event but also future editions of the invitational, which aims to create opportunities for young fighters.
The Mike Tyson Invitational ran from March 12 through March 14 and included a total of 26 bouts featuring 52 amateur boxers from around the United States. The final day of the competition featured an invite-only lineup of fighters and was streamed live on the sports platform DAZN. Winners did not leave empty-handed, as victorious competitors were awarded championship belts after their fights.
According to the event’s official website, every donation collected goes directly toward funding the invitational itself, supporting youth boxing initiatives, and helping strengthen amateur boxing programs across the United States. Fans and supporters are able to contribute through either one-time donations or recurring monthly support.
Reports also indicate that Tyson personally invested a significant amount of money—well into six figures—to launch the project. The fighters participating in the event were accommodated at the SAHARA Las Vegas hotel, where meals were provided for both them and their trainers. They also had access to dedicated training facilities during the event. Notably, the competition avoided the typical pay-to-enter structure used by some amateur tournaments, meaning participants did not have to pay entry fees to compete.
Tyson is already planning additional events. Another invitational is expected later this year, and organizers are reportedly aiming to host three or four more editions in the following year. Helping him organize and develop the event is Stephen Espinoza, a longtime boxing executive.
Espinoza previously served as an executive at Showtime before the network exited the boxing business at the end of 2023. Around that time, he was also mentioned in a legal dispute involving Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Showtime, where Mayweather claimed he had been underpaid by millions. Despite the controversy, Espinoza quickly found a new role working alongside Tyson on the invitational.
Espinoza explained that the matchups at the event were arranged similarly to professional fights. Competitors were paired based on comparable size, skill level, and experience to ensure competitive bouts. He also revealed that Tyson has been personally covering large portions of the event’s expenses because of his desire to raise the profile of boxing and provide opportunities for young athletes. With no entry fees required, the main responsibility for fighters was simply to travel to the venue.
Unlike traditional amateur tournaments, the invitational does not follow a bracket format where fighters advance through multiple rounds. Instead, each bout is organized as a standalone matchup designed to create balanced and entertaining fights.
Beyond the amateur event, Tyson is also rumored to be preparing for a future boxing appearance against Floyd Mayweather Jr.. The proposed event is reportedly scheduled for April 25, 2026, and could take place in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Through the Mike Tyson Invitational, Tyson appears to be dedicating both time and financial resources to nurturing young boxing talent and strengthening the sport’s grassroots level. His commitment has already attracted significant support, including the six-figure donation from the event’s host venue, suggesting the project may continue to grow in the coming years.