Boxing legends Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have agreed to a blockbuster professional rematch set for September.
Pacquiao, 47, and Mayweather, 48, will square off at the ultra-modern Sphere in Las Vegas on Saturday, 19 September, with the fight to be broadcast live on Netflix.
Mayweather, a former multiple-time world champion, confirmed last week that he will come out of retirement for the fourth time. His last professional bout was in 2017 when he defeated former UFC star Conor McGregor by 10th-round technical knockout.
Pacquiao, who retired in 2021 to focus on politics in the Philippines, returned to the ring last July against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. The bout ended in a draw, allowing Barrios to retain his title.
The two boxing icons first met in 2015 in what was famously billed as the “Fight of the Century” — still regarded as the richest fight in boxing history. That night in Las Vegas, Mayweather won by unanimous decision.
Details such as the number of rounds and weight division for the rematch are yet to be confirmed.
Pacquiao, who has won 12 world titles across eight weight divisions, says fans have waited long enough for this second chapter.
“Floyd and I gave the world the biggest fight in boxing history. The fans deserve this rematch,” he said, adding that he wants to hand Mayweather the only loss of his professional career.
However, Mayweather — who turns 49 this week — remains confident. “I already fought and beat Manny once. This time will be the same result,” he stated.
Mayweather boasts a perfect 50-0 professional record, with 27 knockouts. Since retiring, he has participated in several exhibition bouts and is also scheduled to face former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson later this year. Tyson himself returned to the ring in November after 19 years, losing in a controversial bout to YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
Back in 2015, their first clash generated a record 4.6 million pay-per-view buys and a staggering $72 million gate at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Full details on ticket sales and the undercard fights are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
For Ghanaian boxing fans — especially those who stayed up late to watch the first fight — this rematch promises another historic night in the sport.
