Las Vegas: In a stunning announcement that has reignited one of boxing’s most historic rivalries, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao will clash in a professional rematch on September 19 at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
The blockbuster fight will stream live worldwide on Netflix, marking a new chapter in the sport’s broadcasting evolution.
The bout comes 11 years after their record-shattering showdown on May 2, 2015, when Mayweather defeated Pacquiao by unanimous decision in what became the highest-grossing fight in boxing history. That contest generated 4.6 million pay-per-view buys and more than $410 million in revenue, while gate receipts reached $72.2 million.
Both Legends Out of Retirement
Mayweather, who turns 49 this month, retired in 2017 after stopping MMA star Conor McGregor to cap a perfect 50-0 professional record. Since then, he has remained active in exhibition bouts, including matchups with Logan Paul and John Gotti III. He is also scheduled for a 2026 exhibition against Mike Tyson.
“I already fought and beat Manny once. This time will be the same result,” Mayweather said in a statement.
Pacquiao, 47, initially retired in 2021 following a loss to Yordenis Ugas but returned to action in 2025. He fought then-WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios to a majority draw last July and is slated for an exhibition against Ruslan Provodnikov on April 18 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) has long maintained he was hindered by a shoulder injury in their first meeting and has pushed for a rematch ever since.
“The fans have waited long enough — they deserve this rematch,” Pacquiao said. “I want Floyd to live with the one loss on his professional record.”
A New Era for Boxing Broadcasting
Unlike their 2015 megafight, the rematch will not be sold via traditional pay-per-view. Instead, it will stream globally on Netflix to its more than 325 million subscribers. The move follows Netflix’s successful entry into boxing with the 2024 Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson event, which reportedly drew 108 million live global viewers.
The September 19 fight will also mark the first boxing event held at the technologically advanced Sphere, a $2.3 billion venue that previously hosted a UFC event in 2024.
While the weight class and number of rounds have yet to be confirmed, anticipation is already building for what could be one of the most-watched fights in modern boxing history.
More than a decade after their first encounter captivated the world, Mayweather vs. Pacquiao II promises not just a fight — but a global spectacle.
Source: ESPN
Photo credit: X
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