Manny Pacquiao is back in the headlines with a dramatic professional return on Saturday in Las Vegas, challenging WBC welterweight champ Mario Barrios. The Filipino icon is a aiming to reclaim a world title after a four-year layoff, with dreams of becoming the oldest-ever welterweight champion.
But while Barrios is his immediate opponent, the bigger narrative revolves around whispers of a legendary Mayweather vs Pacquiao II showdown, possibly even more lucrative than their record-breaking 2015 mega-pay-per-view event.
Mayweather vs Pacquiao II, billions?
According to Mayweather’s camp, preliminary talks are already underway, contingent on Pacquiao defeating Barrios. A tweet on X referenced by boxing insider Lance Pugmire read, “Went over to @FloydMayweather Boxing Club upon my arrival today in Vegas for @MannyPacquiao fight week, was told to expect Floyd to attend with two fighters on the card. ‘Conversations are already happening … if Manny wins, this (rematch) could be worth billions,’ I was told”.
Given their history, with the first fight generating over $600 million in revenue amnd 4.6 million PPV buys, it’s easy to see why promoters are salivating. Yet unlike the previous bout, both camps insist this time it must be an official professional fight, not an exhibition, adressing one of the primary criticisms from 2015.
The stakes in Pacquiao vs Mayweather II
With Mayweather retired and undefeated at 50-0, any returnn would risk that spotless record. Meanwhile Pacquiao, battiling chronic leg cramps for over two decades, claims to have finally oversome the ailment, crediting focus training at Wild Card Gym and top-tier medical clearance. His team views this Las Vegas fight as both a title opportunity and a test of his readiness for a second clash with “Money”.
As Pacquiao himself said, he’s “still active…rematch, with Floyd? It’s up to him”. Should Pacquiao overcome the 30-year oldBarrios, the stage will be set, not just for one more fight, but potentially one of boxing’s most historic encore moments.
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