Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather are already posting footage of their training and methods of preparations ahead of their long-awaited rematch mid-September at The Sphere in Las Vegas, 11 years after their first fight set the record for most-bought pay-per-view in combat sports history.
The old welterweight rivals dropped their news bombshell late February to confirm their Netflix do-over, with Pacquiao going hard on the paint in the verbal back-and-forth, saying: “I want Floyd to live with the one loss on his professional record and always remember who gave it to him,” in a statement sent to Boxing Social at the time.
Unfazed, Mayweather said: “I already fought and beat Manny once. This time will be the same result.”
Since their first fight, Mayweather has boxed just once when he stopped the UFC star Conor McGregor in the 10th round of his 50th bout in 2017, calling the curtain on his career with a flawless record of 50-1.
Though the American has boxed on the exhibition circuit against lightly-regarded opponents, Pacquiao has taken on a far greater level of competition, from Keith Thurman to Mario Barrios, presenting an argument of winning both.
And so, while two fighters agree on the real reason Mayweather is returning — what they say is alleged money issues — boxing experts still confidently predict a clear winner in the rematch.
The official fight may be six months away, but the fighters are already posting clips in the gym of how they look, with Manny aged 47, and Mayweather 49.
Watch Pacquiao work right here:
Mayweather recently posted footage of his physique, and an insider revealed training details — even suggesting Floyd “beats [Pacquiao] easier this time.”
Mayweather Boxing Club coach Otis Pimpleton told Fight Hype: “You constantly want to test your skills against someone of your status. And with Floyd … one thing we’re going to do is do whatever it takes to win. Boxing needs these two guys to put on a show.
“You can’t relate Manny’s performance against [Mario] Barrios to what it’ll be like fighting Floyd because he’s slicker than grease. Floyd is smooth and probably beats him easier than he did the first time.”
Watch Mayweather work right here:
Mayweather and Pacquiao fight for a second time on Saturday, September 19. Mayweather’s return will also feature exhibitions in the build-up, in a multi-fight partnership with CSI Sports/FIGHT SPORTS.
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