Since the announcement of Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao II was made official and set to stream live globally on Netflix from the amazing Sphere in Las Vegas, there has been an incredible firestorm of intrigue.
While the first “Fight of the Century” in 2015 shattered every financial record ever written in the historicl boxing book, the drama surrounding this sequel is a bit different than what it was back then, as we have a far more personal, complex, and determined match than a simple sports comeback.
Pacquiao’s eternal fountain of youth
Obviously, the first road to this rematch did not begin in a boardroom, but in a display of sheer grit. In July 2025, a 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao stepped into the ring against then-WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
Defying every law of biology and argument in debates, Pacquiao produced a performance that will be there for the ages. He overwhelmed the 30-year-old champion for much of the night, only settling for a controversial majority draw after Barrios rallied in the final rounds. An insider said this to Uncrowned:
“It probably triggered something in Floyd’s head. Seeing Manny look that good against a current champion… it makes the business case undeniable
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Now 47, Pacquiao is clear about his motivation:
“I want Floyd to live with the one loss on his professional record and always remember who gave it to him
Mayweather’s current $340 million legal war
While Pacquiao is chasing legacy over money or fame, Floyd “Money” Mayweather appears to be navigating a much more turbulent landscape. Earlier this month, the undefeated legend filed a staggering $340 million lawsuit against his longtime broadcast partner, Showtime, and its former president, Stephen Espinoza.
The allegations could not be clearer. First, we have a misappropriated funds case, where Mayweather claims revenue from his biggest fights, including the 2015 Pacquiao bout and the 2017 McGregor spectacle, was concealed and diverted. Also, there are some “lost” documents that the Mayweather organization claims were purposely hidden or erased when they requested the financial records of those fights.
Espinoza, on the other side, has vehemently denied these claims, citing that his entire career is built on integrity and ensuring fighters got every penny they deserved.
However, despite this situation, Mayweather remains confident, believing that he beat Manny once so this time will be the same result. Pacquiao, meanwhile, views this as his opportunity to finally get rid of Mayweather’s streak and enter in a new legendary place in the boxing world.
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