Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, boxing's fiercest adversaries, are slated for a pro rematch on September 19, 2026, in Las Vegas' Sphere, which will stream live on Netflix.
Their Iconic Rivalry
The story began in the mid-2000s, when fans demanded a superfight between Mayweather's unrivaled precision and Pacquiao's explosive power. Negotiations stagnated due to ego disputes, purse splits, and drug-testing disagreements, culminating in Mayweather accusing Pacquiao's camp of using performance-enhancing drugs. Pacquiao's defeats to Bradley and Marquez fueled Mayweather's taunting, and their 2015 match was hyped as the "Fight of the Century." It broke records with 4.6 million PPV purchases ($400 million+ revenue), but was criticized for being tactical rather than exciting.
2015 Fight Breakdown
On May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Mayweather (47-0) defeated Pacquiao (57-5-2) by unanimous decision, 116-112 (x2), 118-110, to win the WBC and WBO welterweight titles.
- Rounds 1-3: Mayweather's tenacity showed early on, with counters and clinches neutralizing Pacquiao's body work; all judges scored Floyd, despite a low blow controversy in Round 3.
- Rounds 4-6: Pacquiao pushed Floyd to the ropes with a powerful left hand in Round 4, then snatched Round 6 with volume; the score was even at 58-56 midway through.
- Rounds 7-12: Mayweather's defense dominated—shoulder roll absorbed Pacquiao's onslaught (19% connection rate vs. 34% for Floyd), resulting in 148-81 punches per CompuBox. Pacquiao later claimed victory, citing an injured right shoulder (he denied having an anti-inflammatory shot).
Road to Rematch
After 2015, both sought exhibitions: Mayweather defeated Logan Paul/YouTuber opponents (50-0 "record"), while Pacquiao TKOd Conor Benn rumors before his 2024 loss. This pro bout, at 49/47, elevates the stakes—Pacquiao aims for Floyd's "0," while Mayweather capitalizes on the post-Netflix hype ($100 million+ prize).