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Las Vegas is set to host a highly anticipated rematch between boxing legends Floyd Mayweather Jr. And Manny Pacquiao on September 19th, reigniting one of the sport’s most enduring rivalries. The bout, confirmed by Netflix on Monday, will be the first professional boxing match ever held at the Sphere, a state-of-the-art arena that opened in 2023 and previously hosted a major UFC event in 2024.
The announcement ends years of speculation about a second fight between the two champions. Mayweather, 48 on Tuesday, initially retired in 2017 with an undefeated 50-0 record but has since participated in several exhibition matches, including a scheduled bout against Mike Tyson on April 25th in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Pacquiao, 47, also came out of retirement last year, fighting Mario Barrios to a majority draw in July 2023. He is also scheduled for an exhibition match against Ruslan Provodnikov on April 18th in Las Vegas.
A History of Championship Clashes
The original Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, billed as the “Fight of the Century,” took place on May 2, 2015, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Paradise, Nevada. The contest unified the WBA (Unified), WBC, and WBO welterweight titles, pitting Mayweather’s 47-0 record against Pacquiao’s 57-5-2. Despite generating a record 4.6 million pay-per-view buys, the fight was widely criticized for being underwhelming. Mayweather won by unanimous decision, with judges scoring the bout 118–110, 116–112, and 116–112. The fight saw Mayweather earn a reported $180 million, while Pacquiao took home $120 million, according to records from the time.
The upcoming rematch will be streamed live exclusively on Netflix, marking a significant move for the streaming giant into live sports broadcasting. This event represents a recent chapter for both fighters and a unique opportunity for fans to witness a legendary rivalry renewed on a cutting-edge platform.
FLOYD MAYWEATHER vs. MANNY PACQUIAO
Two of the greatest icons in boxing history will meet again in the first-ever professional boxing match at Sphere in Las Vegas.
Saturday September 19
LIVE globally only on Netflix
#MayPac2 pic.twitter.com/3i5FtXBzgX— Netflix (@netflix) February 23, 2026
This fight will be a significant event for the Sphere, showcasing its capabilities as a venue for major sporting events. The arena, which opened in 2023, is known for its immersive visual and audio experiences, promising a unique atmosphere for the boxing match.
The Fighters’ Recent Activity
Mayweather’s recent activity has primarily consisted of exhibition bouts, allowing him to remain in the public eye and maintain his boxing skills. His exhibition against Logan Paul in 2021 drew considerable attention, demonstrating continued interest in seeing the boxing icon compete. Pacquiao’s return to the ring last year, after a four-year hiatus, signaled his desire to continue competing at a high level. His majority draw against Mario Barrios showed he remains a formidable opponent, despite his age.
Both Mayweather and Pacquiao bring impressive credentials to this rematch. Mayweather, known as “Money,” boasts a career record of 50-0 (26 KOs) and is recognized as a five-division world champion. Pacquiao, nicknamed “Pac-Man,” has an impressive record of 62-8-2 (39 KOs) and is an eight-division world champion. Their contrasting styles – Mayweather’s defensive prowess and Pacquiao’s aggressive attacks – have always made for compelling matchups.
The upcoming fight is expected to draw significant attention from boxing fans worldwide, eager to spot if Pacquiao can avenge his 2015 defeat. The rematch offers a chance to settle the debate about who truly reigned supreme during their respective primes.
As both fighters prepare for this highly anticipated event, the boxing world will be watching closely. The September 19th clash at the Sphere promises to be a spectacle, blending the legacy of two boxing icons with the innovative technology of a groundbreaking venue. The event will undoubtedly be a major talking point in the sports world for months to come.
What are your predictions for the Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow boxing fans!