More than a decade after their record-shattering first encounter, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are officially set to meet again inside the ring.
The long-rumored rematch is now confirmed for September 19, 2026, at The Sphere in Las Vegas, with global streaming distribution through Netflix.
A Rematch Over a Decade in the Making
Their first fight on May 2, 2015, was billed as the “Fight of the Century,” generating record-breaking pay-per-view buys and revenue. Mayweather earned a unanimous decision victory in a tactical contest that divided fans but cemented its place in boxing history as one of the sport’s most lucrative events.
Now, in 2026, the rematch carries a different tone.
Both fighters are older, wiser, and long removed from their championship primes—but the global intrigue remains undeniable. The second bout is expected to blend nostalgia with spectacle, particularly given the cutting-edge setting at The Sphere, one of the most technologically advanced arenas in the world.
What Makes This Fight Different?
1. A New Broadcast Era
Unlike the 2015 pay-per-view model, the rematch will stream globally on Netflix, signaling a major shift in how mega-fights are delivered to fans.
2. Legacy vs. Closure
For Mayweather, who retired undefeated at 50-0, this fight reinforces his legacy as boxing’s ultimate businessman and defensive master.
For Pacquiao, it presents an opportunity to rewrite the narrative of their first meeting and deliver a defining late-career moment.
3. A Modern Mega-Event Setting
The Sphere’s immersive visual technology is expected to elevate production value beyond anything seen in traditional boxing broadcasts.
What’s at Stake?
While official championship implications have not been finalized, the bout is expected to be marketed as a legacy superfight rather than a title unification. Still, its cultural and financial impact could rival their first encounter.
The matchup revives one of the most debated rivalries in boxing history:
- Mayweather’s defense, precision, and ring IQ
- Pacquiao’s explosiveness, angles, and relentless pace
Even years later, stylistically, the contrast remains compelling.
Why This Rematch Matters
Boxing continues to evolve amid crossover events and influencer bouts, yet Mayweather vs. Pacquiao remains one of the few rivalries that transcends eras. The rematch represents:
- A bridge between boxing’s past and present
- A landmark streaming-era sports event
- A final chapter in one of the sport’s most talked-about sagas
On September 19, 2026, Las Vegas will once again become the center of the boxing world.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s also the main photographer for the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
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