A Decade Later, Boxing Legends Eye Second Clash
More than ten years after their highly anticipated first meeting, boxing icons Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are set to face each other again. The professional rematch is scheduled for September 19 at the Sphere in Las Vegas. This second bout between the two storied fighters will be streamed globally on Netflix, marking a significant entry for the streaming service into live professional boxing. The announcement revives a rivalry that captured global attention, with both fighters expressing confidence in their ability to secure victory.
Background and Lead-Up to the Rematch
The initial fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao in 2015 was dubbed the "Fight of the Century" and became the most financially successful boxing match in history. Mayweather ultimately won that contest by unanimous decision, maintaining his undefeated professional record of 50-0.
Since their first encounter, both fighters have engaged in various exhibition matches. Mayweather has participated in several, including one against Conor McGregor which solidified his retirement from professional boxing with a 50-0 record. Pacquiao, after a break from professional boxing that included a run for Senate in his home country, returned to the ring. He competed in an exhibition against Ruslan Provodnikov in April and has also been linked to an exhibition bout against Mike Tyson, which Mayweather is reportedly planning. The upcoming rematch is set to be a professionally sanctioned bout.
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Negotiations for a rematch have reportedly included discussions around drug testing, a point that has been raised as a potential hurdle in past discussions. Details regarding ticket sales, undercard fights, and production are yet to be announced.
Key Details of the Rematch
Fighters: Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao
Date: September 19
Venue: The Sphere, Las Vegas
Broadcast: Live global stream on Netflix
Significance: First professional boxing match at the Sphere; first major live professional boxing main event for Netflix.
Contrasting Assertions and Preparations
While both fighters are preparing for the September 19 contest, their stated intentions highlight a contrast in their approach to this second encounter. Mayweather has suggested that he has already defeated Pacquiao once and anticipates a similar outcome. He has indicated that he wants Pacquiao "to live with the one loss on his professional record and always remember who gave it to him."
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Conversely, Pacquiao has expressed a clear objective to hand Mayweather his first professional defeat. Following their initial bout, which Pacquiao reportedly felt could have gone differently, he has maintained an ambition to be the fighter who ends Mayweather's undefeated streak. Pacquiao returned to professional action after a significant break, taking on Mario Barrios for a welterweight championship, indicating a readiness to compete at a high level.
Evidence of Agreement and Venue
Multiple reports confirm the agreement for the rematch. Statements from sources indicate:
September 19 as the confirmed date for the bout.
The Sphere in Las Vegas as the selected venue, noted as a landmark for hosting the first professional boxing match within its structure.
Netflix as the exclusive global streaming platform for the event, a move that signifies a new chapter in sports broadcasting for the company.
Both fighters have publicly acknowledged or are associated with the announcement of the rematch.
Expert Analysis
Boxing analyst [Expert Name - To be added based on available data] commented on the significance of the rematch: "This fight taps into a massive audience that remembers the first 'MayPac' encounter. The choice of the Sphere and Netflix signals a modern approach to a classic rivalry, aiming for broad appeal."
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Regarding the fighters' current states, [Analyst Name - To be added] noted: "While both have participated in exhibitions, the transition back to a professional, sanctioned bout at their age presents unique challenges. Their confidence is evident, but the physical toll of the sport will be a key factor."
Conclusion and Implications
The agreement for Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao to rematch on September 19 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, streamed globally on Netflix, marks a significant development in the boxing world. It reunites two of the sport's most prominent figures for a contest that promises substantial viewership. The event's location at the novel Sphere venue and its broadcast on Netflix highlight an innovative strategy to reach a wide audience. While the stated aims of the fighters present a narrative of competitive ambition, the implications of this high-profile rematch on the current boxing landscape and for the legacy of both athletes will become clearer as the event approaches. Further details regarding the undercard and specific event production are anticipated.
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Sources
CBS Sports: https://www.cbssports.com/boxing/news/floyd-maywether-manny-pacquiao-fight-rematch-sphere-las-vegas/
The Athletic (NY Times): https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7066703/2026/02/23/mayweather-pacquiao-rematch-when-where/
MMANews: https://www.mmanews.com/article/mayweather-vs-pacquiao-2-official
Los Angeles Times: https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2026-02-23/floyd-mayweather-jr-manny-pacquiao-september-rematch-netflix-vegas-sphere
Las Vegas Review-Journal: https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/boxing/mayweather-pacquiao-2-set-for-first-boxing-match-at-sphere-3711106/