The highly anticipated rematch between Floyd Mayweather Jr. And Manny Pacquiao is set for September 19th at the Sphere in Las Vegas, and not everyone believes the Filipino icon has a path to victory. Former welterweight champion Tim Bradley has unequivocally predicted a repeat of their 2015 encounter, stating Pacquiao simply “can’t beat no damn Mayweather.” The bout, streamed live on Netflix, marks Mayweather’s return to professional boxing after several exhibition matches.
Bradley, a Hall of Famer himself, acknowledged the long layoff and the passage of time, admitting the rematch is “too late.” However, his assessment remains firm. Mayweather secured a unanimous decision win in their first fight, a contest that generated immense revenue and captivated the boxing world. The upcoming fight is generating significant buzz, with Mayweather, 49, also reportedly scheduled for an exhibition bout against Mike Tyson on April 25th, according to multiple reports.
While Pacquiao, 47, has remained active more recently than Mayweather, his recent results have been mixed. He fought to a controversial draw against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in July, a result that sparked debate among fans and analysts. Prior to that, Pacquiao suffered a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021, following a points victory over Keith Thurman two years earlier. Despite Pacquiao having accumulated more professional rounds in recent years, Bradley believes Mayweather’s skill set remains insurmountable for the eight-division world champion.
Mayweather’s Recent Activity and Pacquiao’s Path
Mayweather retired from professional boxing in 2017 after a 10th-round stoppage of Conor McGregor, a crossover event that broke pay-per-view records. Since then, he has participated in a series of exhibition bouts, maintaining his profile and sharpening his skills. Pacquiao’s recent activity, while more frequent, hasn’t yielded the same dominant performances as earlier in his career. His draw against Barrios, in particular, raised questions about his ability to compete at the highest level.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Bradley didn’t mince words, stating, “It’s too late. Will I be watching it? Yeah. I suppose the world going to be watching it, too. I think everybody going to be watching it. However, Manny Pacquiao can’t beat no damn Mayweather, man. Sorry to tell y’all; he can’t beat no Mayweather.” This blunt assessment reflects a widespread belief that Mayweather’s defensive prowess and counter-punching ability will again prove too difficult for Pacquiao to overcome.
The First Fight and What’s at Stake
The first Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, held in 2015, was years in the making and billed as the “Fight of the Century.” While it generated enormous financial success, it also drew criticism for its tactical nature and lack of sustained action. Mayweather’s defensive mastery frustrated Pacquiao, and the unanimous decision victory was met with mixed reactions. Netflix is hoping this rematch will deliver the excitement many felt was missing from their initial clash.
The rematch presents a unique opportunity for both fighters. For Mayweather, it’s a chance to further cement his legacy and demonstrate his continued dominance. For Pacquiao, it’s a final opportunity to settle the score and prove he can overcome the challenges Mayweather presented in their first encounter. The fight at the Sphere, a state-of-the-art venue in Las Vegas, adds another layer of intrigue to the event.
Looking Ahead
With the September 19th date now firmly set, both Mayweather and Pacquiao will undoubtedly begin intensive training camps. The coming months will be filled with speculation and analysis as fans and experts dissect their strategies and predict the outcome. The boxing world will be watching closely to spot if Pacquiao can defy Bradley’s prediction and pull off a stunning upset, or if Mayweather will once again prove to be the superior fighter.
What are your thoughts on the rematch? Share your predictions in the comments below and let us realize who you think will emerge victorious. Don’t forget to share this article with your fellow boxing fans!
