BY OSABUOHIEN VIVIAN-ROSE
Undefeated legendary boxer, Floyd “Money” Mayweather will be back in the ring on Sept. 19, none years after retirement.
Mayweather is returning for a blockbuster rematch against 47-year-old Manny “Pac‑Man” Pacquiao.
This bout will shake the Sphere in Las Vegas and stream live around the globe on Netflix, available to 325+ million subscribers at no extra charge.
For the first time, the Sphere will host a professional boxing match, transforming the sport with jaw‑dropping visuals and immersive tech.
The last time Mayweather and Pacquiao squared off was the 2015 “Fight of the Century.” Now, the two most prominent boxers of their generation will meet again 11 years after Mayweather beat Pacquiao by decision in a fight that didn’t live up to the decade of hype preceding it. The bout’s promoters claimed it was still the most profitable fight in history, setting pay-per-view records (4.6 million pay‑per‑view buys) and attracting worldwide attention.
Pacquiao isn’t shy about his mission. He’s coming for the one thing Mayweather refuses to give up: perfection.
“The fans have waited long enough — they deserve this rematch,” Pacquiao said. “I want Floyd to live with the one loss on his professional record and always remember who gave it to him.”
Mayweather, while keeping it cool and confident says: “I already fought and beat Manny once. This time will be the same result.”
Pacquiao later revealed he fought with a shoulder injury because he didn’t want to postpone such an important event. He was unable to apply his usual offensive pressure to Mayweather, who employed his usual defense-first strategy while easing to victory.
The fighters’ first meeting happened more than a half-decade after fans first began to clamor for an obvious matchup between two similarly-sized greats. Both sides blamed the other for the delay at times, but Mayweather always asserted he would fight whoever he wanted, whenever he wanted — leading many fans to believe Mayweather waited to accept the bout until he felt age had taken a bit of sting out of Pacquiao’s famously vicious punches.
Netflix’s sports division is on a roll. After delivering record‑breaking numbers with mega‑events like Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford, the streamer is leveling up again, this time with two of the greatest fighters to ever lace up gloves.
According to Netflix Sports VP Gabe Spitzer, this matchup is a full‑circle moment, bringing legendary rivalry to a global stage with technology that will make fans feel like they’re inside the ring.
Before September’s rematch, Mayweather will shake off the rust by stepping into the ring with 59-year-old Mike Tyson in April for an exhibition bout, with sources saying the fight will hold in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa, on April 25.
The Sphere venue, which opened in 2023, hosted a UFC show in 2024. UFC President Dana White said the promotion had to pay roughly $20 million to produce that show — about 10 times more than a normal UFC pay-per-view event — because of the venue’s unusual capabilities and requirements.
The fight will be co-promoted by Manny Pacquiao Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, in partnership with CSI Sports/Fight Sports, which entered a multiyear agreement with Mayweather upon his announcement that he would resume his pro career.
Photo Credit: News agencies
