Boxing fans were stunned Monday by the announcement that Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will meet again in a professional rematch, scheduled for September 19 at the Sphere in Las Vegas. The bout will mark eleven years since their highly anticipated, and ultimately divisive, first encounter in 2015.
The rematch, streamed globally on Netflix, comes as a surprise to many in the boxing world. Mayweather, 49, had previously declared his retirement, most recently participating in exhibition matches, while Pacquiao, 47, came out of retirement last July, fighting Mario Barrios to a majority draw. The decision to stage a professional rematch, rather than another exhibition, has raised questions about sanctioning and fighter safety.
“Floyd and I gave the world what remains the biggest fight in boxing history,” Pacquiao said in a statement, as reported by The New York Times. “The fans have waited long enough — they deserve this rematch, and it will be even bigger now that it will be streamed live globally on Netflix.” Mayweather echoed a confident sentiment, stating, “I already fought and beat Manny once. This time will be the same result.”
Pacquiao’s recent activity includes a majority draw against former WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in July 2025, a fight many observers believed he could have won. Prior to that, he had been out of the ring for four years, losing to Yordenis Ugas in 2021. Mayweather’s recent fights have been exhibitions against social media personalities, including Logan Paul in 2021 and Deji in 2022, with his last official professional fight being against Conor McGregor in 2017.
The sanctioning of the fight as a professional bout, despite the ages of both fighters, has prompted debate. While a sanctioning body has been found willing to oversee the match, concerns remain regarding the health risks associated with older athletes competing in a physically demanding sport. “Any time older fighters and former fighters continue, there are valid health concerns,” noted Sky Sports’ Andy Scott. “At the ages of 49 and 47, Mayweather and Pacquiao are long past their peak.”
The question of whether the fight damages the integrity of boxing is as well being discussed. Some argue that the bout, featuring two well-matched former champions, is less problematic than contests involving individuals with limited boxing experience. However, others question the motivations behind the rematch, focusing on the substantial financial rewards involved.
Whether this will be a one-off return to professional boxing for Mayweather remains to be seen. He has maintained a high profile and remains a sought-after opponent, boasting an undefeated 50-0 record. However, Scott believes a sustained return to the professional game is unlikely. “I don’t see a world in which Mayweather is making a long run towards a world title,” he stated.
Regarding Pacquiao’s chances, Scott suggests the fight could be competitive, but cautions against expecting either fighter to immediately contend for a world title. “Possibly [Pacquiao is the favorite this time], but I think once fight night comes around, it will be fairly 50-50,” Scott said. “I think he still believes on his day, at 49, he beats a 47-year-old Pacquiao because he beat him when they were 11 years younger.”
The next scheduled boxing event on Sky Sports is Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper on April 5.
