Mayweather and Pacquiao considering rematch in 2026
Boxing legends Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are ‘seriously exploring’ the possibility of stepping back into the ring together in 2026, with Netflix being eyed as the platform for this blockbuster rematch, reports BritPanorama.
Sources have revealed to The Ring that serious discussions are taking place about staging the bout more than a decade after their first encounter.
The potential fight would mark another major boxing event for the streaming giant, which has been making waves in the sport recently. Mike Coppinger from Ring Magazine has reported that reliable sources confirm the talks are genuine, and that there is a “real possibility this is going to happen.”
While the news has sparked mixed reactions among boxing fans, many have expressed frustration over the prospect of a rematch. Comments on social media reflect a sense of disillusionment, with one user stating, “It was six years late, 11 years ago,” while another remarked, “This s*** starting to feel like a joke.”
Despite the criticism, intrigue remains, as fans admit they will likely tune in. Comments suggest a resigned acceptance of yet another clash: “These old a** mfs lol. I will watch it, though.”
Their original meeting in May 2015 was billed as the “Fight of the Century,” with Mayweather winning by unanimous decision, marking a highlight in both fighters’ storied careers. The bout shattered financial records, attracting 4.6 million pay-per-view purchases—the most ever recorded—and generating a gate of $72.2 million (£54.1 million). Total revenue approached $600 million (£450 million) for the event.
Critics suggested at the time that Mayweather had deliberately waited until his rival was past his peak to agree to the bout. Since then, the landscape of boxing has evolved, with both fighters now several years older. Pacquiao, who returned to the ring in July against Mario Barrios, faced a majority draw that many felt he should have won, showcasing that he still possesses considerable skill even at 46 years old. Meanwhile, Mayweather has remained active in exhibition matches since retiring in 2017 with an unblemished 50-0 record.
As these discussions unfold, the boxing world is left to ponder the ramifications of a potential rematch. A fight that once captivated audiences now raises questions about timing, relevance, and the continual allure of legacy in sport. Ultimately, the juxtaposition of age and the pursuit of glory in the ring might reveal more than just the fighters’ skills—it could reflect the complex nature of boxing fandom itself.
