Manny Pacquiao & Floyd Mayweather

Background

Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. dominated headlines with the announcement that discussions are underway for a potential rematch in 2026, and their first bout in 2015 remains one of the most lucrative fights in boxing history.

The 2015 encounter generated over £500 million in revenue and attracted 4.4 million U.S. pay-per-view purchases, and the financial success has fueled interest in revisiting the matchup. Netflix has reportedly entered negotiations to host the event in Las Vegas, and streaming platforms are expected to play a central role in broadcasting the fight to a global audience.

Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Rematch Talks for 2026

Pacquiao's Return to Boxing

Manny Pacquiao returned to competitive boxing in July 2025 with a WBC welterweight title fight against Mario Barrios, and he has indicated readiness to face Mayweather again provided the latter comes out of retirement.

Pacquiao now serves as Vice President of IBA Pro, formerly AIBA, and he is actively promoting the "Thrilla in Manila 2," featuring Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Nico Ali Walsh. Analysts note that Pacquiao’s ongoing involvement in both competitive boxing and boxing promotion underscores his continued influence in the sport, and his presence increases anticipation for any future high-profile bouts.

Mayweather's Status

Floyd Mayweather Jr. retired with a perfect 50-0 professional record, and he participated in an exhibition match in 2024 that reinforced his legendary status while keeping him partially active in the sport.

Mayweather has hinted at a 2026 return to defend his undefeated legacy, and he faces strategic considerations about risking his record in a high-stakes rematch. Boxing insiders suggest that Mayweather’s prior exhibition bouts and ongoing public profile may complicate timing and contractual negotiations, and these factors will influence whether a rematch can be finalized under favorable conditions.

Negotiation Status

Sources confirm that both Pacquiao and Mayweather remain open to a rematch under suitable terms, and preliminary discussions have focused on logistics, promotion, and financial arrangements.

Mayweather’s concurrent plans for a potential exhibition against Mike Tyson, intended for Netflix, have introduced complications, and opposition from stakeholders has slowed definitive agreements. Negotiators are reportedly working to align both fighters’ schedules and contractual expectations, and industry observers anticipate that formal confirmation may still require months of planning.

Potential Impact

Boxing fans and analysts anticipate that a confirmed rematch would become a major global sporting event, and the involvement of Netflix could broaden the audience and provide enhanced production resources.

Pacquiao and Mayweather’s reputations and historical significance in boxing will drive media coverage and public interest, and the fight’s outcome, combined with both fighters’ current physical form, will dominate discussions in sports commentary.

Stakeholders predict that the bout could influence boxing promotion models for years to come, and streaming platforms may establish a precedent for hosting premium fight events internationally.