In a surprising turn of events, boxing legends Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao have announced a rematch of their 2015 clash, once billed as the 'Fight of the Century.' The new bout is scheduled for September 19, 2026, at The Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will be broadcast exclusively on Netflix.
The announcement came on Monday, February 23, 2026, when both fighters confirmed their return to the ring. Mayweather, who celebrated his 49th birthday on February 24, had hinted at a comeback just days earlier, while Pacquiao, now 47, had already resumed fighting last year with a draw against American Mario Barrios.
Their first encounter in May 2015 was a financial juggernaut, generating an estimated $400 million in revenue, including a live gate of $72 million. Mayweather himself pocketed roughly $120 million. However, the fight itself was widely criticized as a defensive, uneventful affair, with Mayweather winning a unanimous decision. Despite the disappointment, it remained the highest-grossing event in boxing history at the time.
Now, 11 years later, both fighters are older but still eager to prove themselves. Mayweather boasts a perfect 50-0 record, with titles across five weight classes. Pacquiao, with 62 wins, 8 losses, and 3 draws, is the only eight-division world champion in history. Their combined age of 96 has led some to jokingly call this the 'Centenarian Fight.'
The rematch is part of a broader trend of retired boxing stars returning to the ring. The sport has struggled to produce new superstars, and events like this help attract casual fans. In the same vein, Tyson Fury is set to face Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11, 2026, and Mike Tyson (now 59) fought YouTuber Jake Paul in an exhibition in November 2024. Mayweather himself has engaged in multiple exhibition fights since his official retirement in 2017, including a planned non-professional bout against Mike Tyson in spring 2026.
Netflix's involvement is a significant move for the streaming giant, which has increasingly invested in live sports. The company sees this event as a milestone for both boxing and Las Vegas, which will host the fight at The Sphere, a state-of-the-art venue covered in LED screens.
Pacquiao, in a statement released by Netflix, said, 'Floyd and I gave the world what remains the greatest fight in boxing history. The fans have waited long enough; they deserve this rematch.' Mayweather, known for his speed, defensive genius, and flamboyant persona, has remained a polarizing figure. He spent two months in prison in 2012 for domestic violence and has five convictions for assault.
Pacquiao, on the other hand, has balanced his boxing career with politics, serving as a senator in the Philippines. He has said that he missed the ring and that the four-year layoff (2019-2023) was beneficial for his body. His last fight before the Barrios draw was a victory over Keith Thurman in 2019.
The original fight took years to negotiate, finally happening when both were past their prime. The rematch comes even later, but the anticipation is high. Whether it delivers on the promise of a true 'fight of the century' remains to be seen, but the historical significance is undeniable.
As the boxing world awaits this clash, it reflects the enduring appeal of two icons who defined an era. Mayweather vs. Pacquiao 2 may not be the fight fans dreamed of a decade ago, but it is a compelling chapter in the story of their rivalry.
Source: actu.fr News