A decade ago, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, two of boxing’s most celebrated fighters, faced off in a highly anticipated match where Mayweather emerged victorious by unanimous decision. The 2015 bout, which awarded Mayweather the WBC, WBA, WBO, and Ring Magazine world welterweight titles, remains their only encounter in the ring.
While a rematch has yet to happen, ongoing negotiations suggest it could be on the horizon, despite both athletes being in their 40s. During a recent press conference in the Philippines, Pacquiao revealed that discussions about a possible second fight with Mayweather are underway, though he is also talking to other fighters and uncertain about which bouts will be finalized. “We’re currently negotiating about my next fight, potentially a rematch with Floyd Mayweather,” Pacquiao explained, adding that many talks are happening simultaneously as they await final decisions.
Since their first fight, Pacquiao, hampered by a shoulder injury initially, competed seven more times—winning five bouts and losing two—before retiring in 2021. However, at age 46, he recently stepped back into the ring against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, narrowly missing a title win by majority decision earlier this year. Mayweather, meanwhile, fought only two more professional matches after their 2015 fight and retired after achieving a 50-0 record with his 2017 win over Conor McGregor. Now 48, he has participated in a few exhibition fights but hasn’t engaged in professional competition for nearly ten years.
The potential rematch’s appeal is uncertain given their age and the fact their original fight took place when both were somewhat past their primes, despite it being a landmark event that still stands as the highest-grossing boxing match ever.
Fan Take: For fight fans, the prospect of a Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch reignites excitement by bringing back two legends, offering a nostalgic yet thrilling spectacle. If it happens, this fight could serve as a testament to their enduring skills and possibly draw massive attention, influencing the sport’s appeal to both old and new audiences.
