MANILA – More than a decade after their record-shattering clash, boxing legends Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. are officially headed for a blockbuster rematch on September 19 at the Sphere in Las Vegas — a bout that will be streamed live worldwide on Netflix.
The long-anticipated second chapter of one of boxing’s richest rivalries was announced Monday (Tuesday in the Philippines), reigniting global interest in a matchup that once billed itself as the “Fight of the Century.”
Their first meeting on May 3, 2015 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas ended in a unanimous decision victory for Mayweather and became the highest-grossing fight in boxing history, reportedly generating more than $600 million in revenue. Mayweather alone earned an estimated $300 million from that bout.
Now 47, Pacquiao said the rematch is a long time coming.
“Floyd and I gave the world what remains the biggest fight in boxing history. The fans have waited long enough—they deserve this rematch,” the eight-division world boxing champion said.
“I want Floyd to live with the one loss on his professional record and always remember who gave it to him,” he added. “As always, I dedicate this fight to my fellow Filipinos around the world and to bringing glory to the Philippines.”
Mayweather, who retired in 2017 with a pristine 50-0 professional record, dismissed any notion of a different outcome.
“I already fought and beat Manny once. This time will be the same result,” Mayweather said.
Despite stepping away from official competition, Mayweather has remained visible in the ring through exhibition bouts. His return to professional boxing was confirmed just days before the rematch announcement.
Pacquiao, meanwhile, resumed his professional career in 2025 following a four-year hiatus. He battled Mario Barrios to a draw in Las Vegas, signaling his intent to contend again at the elite level.
Both fighters are set to enter separate exhibition matches next month as part of their buildup, with Mayweather scheduled to face Mike Tyson and Pacquiao to take on Ruslan Provodnikov.
With two of boxing’s most bankable names returning to center stage — this time on a global streaming platform — the September showdown is poised to once again command worldwide attention and test whether lightning can strike twice in one of the sport’s most storied rivalries./PN
