Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao Set for Exhibition Rematch
Floyd Mayweather has announced that the highly anticipated rematch with Manny Pacquiao is set to be an exhibition match, leading to uncertainty about whether he will risk his perfect record in this encounter. The two fighters had their iconic first match over ten years ago, which was dubbed the ‘Fight of the Century’. In that bout, Mayweather secured a unanimous decision victory, successfully defending his WBA, WBC, and WBO welterweight titles. Notably, the event generated around £445 million, making it the highest-grossing matchup in boxing history, with the two champions contesting the unified welterweight championship in Nevada.
Details of the Upcoming Match
Both boxers are now poised to meet again in Las Vegas on September 19, with Netflix slated to live-stream the bout. Although many speculated that this would mark Mayweather’s return to professional boxing, the 49-year-old has described it as merely an exhibition during a recent interview with Vegas Sports Today. Furthermore, there is some ambiguity surrounding the fight’s venue. Initially announced as the Las Vegas Sphere, Mayweather expressed that this location remains unconfirmed:
“As of right now, we don’t actually know where the fight is going to be at. The Sphere is one of the places that they talked about, so we don’t know if it’s 100% going to be there.”
He continued by stating:
“This is not actually a fight, it’s an exhibition, so we’re going to do it again and hopefully we’ll entertain the people. We’re both winners, it’s an exhibition so we’re both winners.”
Mayweather’s Exhibition History and Pacquiao’s Career
While Mayweather has participated in several exhibition matches since 2017, he was expected to return to the professional arena against Pacquiao, following a significant hiatus since his fight against MMA champion Conor McGregor nine years ago. This development has raised questions about the true nature of the upcoming matchup.
Additionally, Mayweather, known as the highest-earning athlete in boxing history with an estimated £1.18 billion in career earnings, is also scheduled for an exhibition against Mike Tyson, reportedly set to take place in the Democratic Republic of Congo on April 25. On the other hand, Pacquiao, who retired in 2021 to focus on his political career in the Philippines, stepped back into the ring to face Mario Barrios last year. With an impressive record of 62 victories in 73 career fights, he remains the only professional boxer to hold world titles in eight different weight classes.
This rematch, albeit framed as an exhibition, encapsulates the ongoing rivalry and excitement that continues to surround these two legendary figures in boxing.
Additional reporting from PA.
