Pacquiao vs. Mayweather Rematch Officially Announced for September 2026
After more than a decade of anticipation and strategic planning, the boxing world is finally set to witness the highly awaited rematch between two of the sport's biggest names: Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao and American icon Floyd Mayweather. The official announcement confirms that the bout will take place on September 19, 2026, at the Sphere in Las Vegas, USA, and will be streamed exclusively on Netflix, a global platform boasting over 325 million subscribers worldwide.
Background and First Fight Recap
The rivalry between Pacquiao and Mayweather dates back to their first encounter on May 2, 2015, at the Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. In that historic match, Mayweather emerged victorious via unanimous decision, cementing his undefeated record. Following the fight, Pacquiao's camp made several attempts to arrange a rematch, but Mayweather's team declined, leading both fighters to eventually retire from professional boxing.
Recent Comebacks and Preparations
Pacquiao, now 47 years old, recently came out of retirement and faced American Mario Barrios for the World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight title. Although he lost that bout, his performance demonstrated that he still possesses significant skill and power, despite being away from the ring for over four years. On the other hand, Mayweather, who turns 49 on February 25 (Philippine time), has maintained his conditioning through exhibition bouts since retiring. In a recent statement, Mayweather officially announced his return to professional boxing to face Pacquiao again, describing the Filipino as the best opponent he has ever fought.
Upcoming Exhibition Bouts Before the Rematch
Prior to their highly anticipated rematch, both fighters will engage in separate exhibition bouts to prepare. Mayweather is scheduled to face heavyweight legend Mike Tyson on April 25 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Pacquiao will take on Russian legend Ruslan Provodnikov on April 18 in Las Vegas. These matches are expected to build momentum and excitement for the main event.
Career Records and Legacy
Manny Pacquiao boasts an impressive record of 62 wins, 8 losses, and 3 draws, with 39 knockouts, showcasing his enduring prowess in the ring. Floyd Mayweather holds a perfect record of 50 wins and 0 losses, with 27 knockouts, underscoring his dominance in the sport. This rematch not only reignites one of boxing's greatest rivalries but also offers a chance for both athletes to further solidify their legacies in the annals of sports history.
