Boxing fans around the world are gearing up for a historic rematch between two of the sport’s most iconic figures Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. The legendary fighters have officially agreed to meet in a professional boxing rematch scheduled for 19 September 2026 in Las Vegas, marking more than a decade since their first encounter, which was one of the most lucrative fights in history. The forthcoming bout, officially confirmed on 23 February 2026, will be staged at the cutting edge Sphere venue in Las Vegas and will stream live globally on Netflix, highlighting the growing influence of streaming platforms in high profile sports entertainment.
The original fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao took place on 2 May 2015 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and was branded the “Fight of the Century.” On that night, Mayweather used tactical defensive skills and control to earn a unanimous decision victory over Pacquiao, handing him one of his rare professional losses. The bout generated massive revenue, setting pay per view and live gate records that stood for years, with an estimated 4.6 million buys and a $72 million live gate.
More than a decade later, both fighters are older but remain influential figures in boxing. Mayweather, who retired from professional competition after his 2017 TKO victory over Conor McGregor, remained active in exhibition matches against high profile opponents like Logan Paul and John Gotti III. His return for another competitive fight marks the end of a nine year retirement from sanctioned professional boxing. Pacquiao, a multi division world champion, briefly retired in 2021 to pursue a political career in the Philippines but returned to the ring in 2025, fighting Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title a bout that ended in a majority draw.
The upcoming rematch was eagerly anticipated and has been building momentum following months of speculation and talks between the two camps. Initial negotiations gained traction after both fighters expressed interest in revisiting the rivalry, and talks solidified into a confirmed bout announcement. Promoters and both fighters emphasised the historic nature of the contest, not just for its nostalgic draw, but also for its potential to once again capture global attention with millions of fans eagerly awaiting this official sequel to one of boxing’s most iconic clashes.
Mayweather, now 49, expressed confidence that his experience and skill set will once again prevail. In public statements released during the announcement phase, he suggested that his previous win would likely be replicated in the rematch, reaffirming his belief in his boxing prowess despite the passage of time. Pacquiao, at 47, has also embraced the challenge enthusiastically, publicly stating his desire to hand Mayweather his first professional defeat and to rewrite a chapter in his storied career. He has framed the match as a tribute not only to their rivalry but also to fans who have waited over a decade for this opportunity.
The choice of venue adds further significance to the event. The Sphere in Las Vegas a state of the art entertainment complex known for its immersive audio visual experiences will host its first major professional boxing event with this rematch, blending sport with cutting edge technology and offering a unique experience for live audiences. Organisers and promoters have noted that staging the fight at this location reflects both fighters’ legacies and the spectacle of the encounter.
Streaming the fight on Netflix represents a strategic move by the platform as it expands into live sports and combat events. In recent years, Netflix has streamed several high profile boxing matches, including Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and other major combat sports cards, drawing millions of viewers and pushing further into a market traditionally dominated by premium cable and pay per view platforms. The decision to stream Mayweather vs. Pacquiao 2 globally underscores Netflix’s commitment to live sports and reflects the company’s growing confidence in its ability to attract major sporting spectacles.
As anticipation builds, fans and analysts alike are debating not just the competitive outcome of the fight but also its broader impact on the sport. With both men long past their primes yet still capable of drawing enormous global audiences, the rematch serves as both a nostalgic celebration of their past rivalry and a testament to their enduring market power within boxing. Whether this fight lives up to the monumental hype of their 2015 encounter remains to be seen, but the return of these two legends is poised to be one of the defining sporting events of 2026.