Boxing icons Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are set to renew their legendary rivalry with a high-profile rematch scheduled for Saturday, September 19, at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
The bout comes 11 years after their first encounter in May 2015, famously billed as the “Fight of the Century.” That historic showdown, held at the MGM Grand, ended in a unanimous decision victory for Mayweather, who outboxed Pacquiao in a tactical contest that nevertheless shattered financial records. The fight generated approximately £53.1 million in gate revenue and drew 4.6 million pay-per-view buys, making it the most lucrative bout in boxing history.
Now aged 48, Mayweather will once again come out of retirement to face Pacquiao, 47, in what is expected to be another global spectacle. Speaking ahead of the fight, the undefeated American expressed confidence that history will repeat itself.
“I have already fought and defeated Manny once. The outcome will be the same this time,” Mayweather said.
Pacquiao, however, believes there is unfinished business. The Filipino legend resumed his professional career on July 19, 2025, when he challenged Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title. That bout ended in a majority draw, allowing Barrios to retain his belt.
Pacquiao enters the rematch with a professional record of 62 wins, eight losses, and three draws, having fought eight times since his defeat to Mayweather in 2015.
Responding to Mayweather’s remarks, Pacquiao said the rematch is about legacy and the fans.
“Floyd and I delivered what remains the most significant fight in boxing history,” he said. “The fans have waited long enough — they deserve this rematch, and it will be even more momentous now that it will be streamed live globally on Netflix. I want Floyd to remember the one loss on his professional record and always acknowledge who handed it to him.”
Since retiring from professional boxing, Mayweather has remained active through exhibition bouts against high-profile opponents, including Logan Paul, Aaron Chalmers, and John Gotti III. His most recent appearance came in August 2024 against Gotti. The upcoming fight will mark his fourth return from retirement, following previous exits in 2007, 2015, and 2017.
Adding further intrigue, Mayweather has recently hinted at a possible exhibition bout with Mike Tyson in April, fueling speculation about his long-term plans in the sport.
Their first meeting was among the most anticipated events in boxing history. More than a decade later, the rematch promises a blend of nostalgia and renewed global attention as two of the sport’s greatest figures step back into the ring to settle their rivalry once and for all.