More than a decade after their record-shattering showdown, boxing legends Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are set to meet again in Las Vegas on September 19. The rematch will take place at The Sphere, reigniting one of the sport’s most famous rivalries.
Mayweather and Pacquiao’s Return for a Rematch
Promoters confirmed the bout this week, describing it as a major global event featuring two of boxing’s most recognizable figures, both now in their late forties. The fight comes 11 years after their 2015 contest at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. At the time, the match generated more than $600 million in revenue, and it remains one of the highest-grossing fights in history.
In a joint statement released alongside the announcement, the fighters said they aim to “deliver another historic night for fans around the world.” The statement added that the rematch would celebrate their shared legacy while showcasing the evolution of both athletes. “Floyd and I have the world, what remains the biggest fight in boxing history. The fans have waited long enough; they deserve this rematch,” the statement included.
The event is scheduled for the Sphere. Before now, the venue was known for its immersive visual technology and large-scale productions. Streaming giant Netflix also announced plans to distribute the event globally, describing the rematch as a landmark live sports broadcast. The platform previously expanded into live programming with major sporting events, signaling a growing push into pay-per-view-style spectacles.
Mayweather, who retired with a 50-0 professional record, confirmed he would return to the ring specifically for this fight. He shared in a statement, “I already fought and beat Manny once. This time will be the same result.” Pacquiao, the only boxer to win world titles in eight weight divisions, has competed intermittently since his own retirement announcement in 2021.
The star athlete matched Mayweather’s energy in his own statement, declaring, “I want Floyd to live with the one loss on his professional record and always remember who gave it to him.
Mayweather’s Career Leading up to the Showdown
In recent years, Mayweather has focused on exhibition bouts, business ventures, and promotional activities through Mayweather Promotions. He has participated in several non-professional matches worldwide, including events in Asia and the Middle East, often drawing large crowds despite not counting toward his official record.
Outside the ring, Mayweather expanded investments in real estate, fitness franchises, and entertainment ventures. He has also remained a prominent figure in boxing media, frequently teasing potential returns to competition.
Analysts noted that Mayweather’s defensive style and conditioning allowed him to extend his career longer than many fighters. However, this bout represents his first fully sanctioned fight since defeating Conor McGregor in 2017.
Pacquiao’s Political Career and Return to Boxing
Pacquiao’s path since the first fight diverged significantly. In addition to occasional ring appearances, he served as a senator in the Senate of the Philippines and ran for president in 2022. Although he lost the election, he remained an influential public figure in his home country.
He returned to boxing action in exhibition contests and continued training while managing philanthropic initiatives. Pacquiao has repeatedly stated that he never fully ruled out another major fight. While Mayweather announced his return to boxing a few days before the rematch announcement, Pacquiao came out of retirement in 2025 for a match with WBA champion Mario Barrios.
