Mayweather and Pacquiao to Clash Again in Historic September Rematch
In a major announcement, Netflix has confirmed that boxing legends Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will face off in a long-awaited professional rematch this September. The fight is scheduled for September 19 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, marking a significant event in the sport's history.
Reviving the "Fight of the Century" Rivalry
The two fighters, now in their late forties, first battled in 2015 in what was dubbed the "Fight of the Century." Mayweather emerged victorious by points decision, earning an estimated $300 million from the bout, which generated over $600 million in total revenue and set a pay-per-view record with 4.6 million buys.
Since then, Mayweather retired from professional boxing in 2017 with an unbeaten record of 50-0 but has participated in exhibition matches, including an upcoming bout against Mike Tyson. Pacquiao, an eight-division world champion, retired in 2021 to pursue a presidential bid in the Philippines, returning to the ring last year.
Fighters' Statements and Long-Awaited Demand
In a joint statement, Pacquiao, 47, expressed enthusiasm for the rematch, saying, "Floyd and I gave the world what remains the biggest fight in boxing history. The fans have waited long enough—they deserve this rematch." Mayweather, 48, responded confidently, "I already fought and beat Manny once. This time will be the same result." Pacquiao added a personal challenge, "I want Floyd to live with the one loss on his professional record and always remember who gave it to him."
Venue and Broadcast Details
This event will be the first professional boxing match ever held at the Sphere, a venue that opened in 2023 and is renowned for its 160,000-square-foot wraparound screen, typically used for concerts and movies. Netflix, with approximately 325 million subscribers, will broadcast the fight live worldwide, continuing its expansion into live sports. The platform previously streamed high-profile bouts like Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Álvarez and Jake Paul's matches, attracting millions of viewers despite some criticism.
Legacies and Controversies
Floyd Mayweather, nicknamed "Money," is a former multi-weight world champion and once the world's highest-paid athlete. His career has been marked by controversy, including criticism for a defensive style and legal issues related to domestic violence. Manny Pacquiao, known as "PacMan" or "The National Fist," rose from poverty in the Philippines, becoming a national hero and serving as a senator. He dedicated this fight, saying, "As always, I dedicate this fight to my fellow Filipinos around the world and to bringing glory to the Philippines."
Rumors of a rematch have circulated for years, with interest peaking after Mayweather's recent announcement of a professional comeback. This bout promises to draw massive global attention, blending nostalgia with modern streaming innovation.
