Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather are set for a professionally sanctioned rematch in September, eleven years on from their first meeting.
In 2015, Mayweather took a unanimous decision on the cards in what is still the highest grossing boxing bout of all time. The fight had marinated for around six years and was underwhelming to many fans. A rematch when both are close to 50 years old won’t right that wrong, but there’s little doubt that it will generate significant interest.
Whilst Pacquiao made a professional return last year – fighting to a draw with then WBC welterweight world champion Mario Barrios – Mayweather has only stepped through the ropes for exhibitions since 2017.
‘PacMan’ told Sports Center that when his rival decided to return to the pro ranks, the return fight was immediately on the table.
“It just happens that I’m still active in boxing and he came out from retirement. So, he decided to do it again. This is it. I’m so excited for the fight.”
The Filipino fighting icon fought with a shoulder injury at the MGM Grand in 2015, and hopes this time around, despite being well past his prime, he will be fresh to deliver an exciting main event.
“I learnt a lot from that fight, way back in 2015. We’ve become mature now and [know] how to handle it. I hope that it will happen again like the way it was in 2015 – the experience – not really 100%, but [close.] I’m hoping this time around no excuses, especially to my condition.”
The fight has added intrigue given Mayweather will put his precious undefeated record on the line, but Pacquiao revealed that he had first tried to avoid that by making the bout an exhibition.
“Before, he wanted an exhibition with me. I disagree. I don’t want to fight an exhibition with him. I want to fight a real fight like this. This is it. This is what [I’ve been] waiting for.”
Netflix will stream the fight live from The Sphere, Las Vegas on September 19. Mayweather’s record will either notch upwards to 51-0, or remain at 50 wins if Pacquiao can turn back the clock.
