Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Rematch Discussions
Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are reportedly in discussions for a highly anticipated rematch, possibly slated for 2026, according to insights shared with Uncrowned. This comes over ten years after their initial iconic duel at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, which took place on May 2, 2015.
Historic First Bout
That historic bout attracted an astounding 4.6 million pay-per-view purchases in the U.S. alone and generated a record $72 million in ticket sales, a figure that remains unsurpassed in boxing history. While this event was monumental, the actual fight fell short of expectations as Mayweather comfortably secured victory by unanimous decision, showcasing his defensive skills to unify three welterweight belts.
Current Status of the Fighters
Though Mayweather, now 48, has been largely absent from professional boxing since his 2017 stoppage of Conor McGregor, he has participated in several exhibition matches. Pacquiao, at 46, recently returned to the ring in July after a three-year break, battling to a draw against WBC welterweight champion, Mario Barrios. Despite going in as an underdog, many observers felt that Pacquiao performed better during the fight.
Pacquiao’s Desire for a Rematch
Prior to his bout with Barrios, Pacquiao expressed a clear desire to face Mayweather again, stating,
“Of course I’d be interested. He’s been ducking [the rematch]… I want a real fight, not an exhibition.”
He voiced his eagerness to offer the fans a significant clash against Mayweather, dismissing the idea of just another exhibition match.
Potential Historical Significance
If negotiations for this rematch proceed and come to fruition, it would mark a historical moment in boxing, potentially creating the oldest title fight on record, with both fighters’ ages totaling 96 years. However, Pacquiao must first navigate a potential fight planned for January against current WBA welterweight champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero, who has been mandated by the WBA to defend his title against Shakhram Giyasov, which could complicate matters.
Broadcasting Opportunities
The potential rematch could be a significant venture for both fighters and a profitable one for broadcasting platforms like Netflix, which is increasingly becoming involved in high-profile boxing events after dabbling with promotions like Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and the more recent series that featured boxing greats like Katie Taylor and Canelo Alvarez. With their big investment in novel boxing events, they appear keen to capitalize on the draw of a Mayweather-Pacquiao matchup again, illustrating the evolving landscape of the boxing entertainment industry.
