Ten years after facing off in the so-called “Fight of the Century”, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao could be set to meet again. In early September, Mayweather had announced a fight against the former undisputed heavyweight champion for the spring of 2026, but everything changed when reports emerged of new talks between the two boxing legends.
According to journalist Dan Rafael, the rematch between Mayweather and Pacquiao is scheduled for April in Las Vegas, which would put at risk the expected duel between Mike Tyson and Mayweather, initially planned for the same time. If the second chapter between “Money” and “Pac-Man” is realized, the fight against Tyson could be postponed or even canceled.
Pacquiao confirms it: “There is a good chance”
The 46-year-old Filipino boxer confirmed to The Sun that talks with Mayweather are progressing. “As long as Floyd comes back, I’m still active in boxing. It’s possible,” he said. “There’s a good chance of having a rematch because I’m still active; only if he comes back is it possible.”
Pacquiao, who returned to the ring in July after four years of inactivity to draw with Mario Barrios, made it clear that he does not want a simple exhibition. “I don’t want an exhibition, I want a real fight,” he insisted. “He has been avoiding me. A long time ago I wanted to give the fans a real fight between him and me.”
Although it has not yet been defined whether the fight will be an exhibition or professional, everything points to the fact that Pacquiao will only accept if it is officially sanctioned as a professional fight.
The story behind the most watched duel of the century
Mayweather and Pacquiao first met in May 2015 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. On that occasion, the American won by unanimous decision in a fight that generated more than $600 million in revenue, becoming the most profitable event in boxing history.
Pacquiao revealed afterwards that he had suffered a rotator cuff injury during his preparation and did not receive proper medical treatment. “After the operation I felt fine. God gives me strength and good health to continue,” said the Filipino, who has since sought the opportunity to avenge that defeat.
Netflix could broadcast the rematch
According to recent reports, Netflix is “exploring” the possibility of broadcasting the rematch, as part of its growing commitment to live sports. The streaming giant has already had success with events such as Jake Paul vs. Tyson – watched by 65 million people – and Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford, which reached number one in 30 countries.
If confirmed, the Mayweather-Pacquiao II fight could become one of the most watched events in modern boxing history, bringing together two legends once again in search of closing their legacy with one last great night in Las Vegas.
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