Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao Netflix boxing rematch in talks for 2026
More than a decade after their historic first contest, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao could be set to run back the richest fight in boxing history.
A Mayweather vs. Pacquiao rematch is being explored to be broadcast on Netflix for sometime in 2026, sources close to the situation confirmed to Uncrowned.
Ring Magazine was first with news of the potential rematch.
When Mayweather, 48, and Pacquiao, 46, clashed in Las Vegas in May 2015, a record 4.6 million U.S. viewers purchased the fight on pay-per-view, and the live gate — money from ticket sales — was a staggering $ 72 million, both of which are still the biggest in boxing history.
The event was gigantic, but ultimately the fight in the ring was a disappointment. Mayweather used his defensive prowess to box to a comfortable decision victory over Pacquiao to unify three welterweight belts.
Mayweather hasn't competed professionally since his 2017 stoppage of Conor McGregor, however, he has taken part in multiple exhibition bouts since. Pacquiao ended a three-year hiatus in July, fighting to a controversial draw against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. Pacquiao headed into the bout as the underdog, but many felt he got the better of Barrios through 12 rounds.
Pacquiao expressed his intentions to settle the score with Mayweather in an interview with Uncrowned prior to his fight with Barrios.
"Of course [I'd be interested]," Pacquiao said. "He's been ducking [the rematch] … I don't want an exhibition with [Mayweather], I want a real fight.
"It's been a long time [since the first fight]. I want to give the fans a good fight between me and [Mayweather], but he's been ducking, avoiding me."
While a Mayweather vs. Pacquiao second meeting could take place in 2026, it is possible that the fight will not be next for Pacquiao. Pacquiao is understood to be planning his return for January, potentially against WBA welterweight champion Rolando "Rolly" Romero. There is, however, an obstacle to that clash, as the WBA ordered Romero to defend his title against mandatory challenger Shakhram Giyasov next.
Should Pacquiao manage to face and defeat Romero in early 2026 and then move on to a rematch with Mayweather, boxing could be headed for the oldest world title fight in history, with a combined age of 96.
A rematch between Mayweather and Pacquiao would be lucrative because Netflix is investing in big-time novelty boxing events. The streaming giant began its journey in the sport with Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson, and while its last two shows — Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3 and Saul "Canelo" Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford — have been undisputed championship fights, Netflix will also play host to Paul vs. Gervonta Davis next month in Miami.
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