Two of boxing’s most recognisable figures, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, are set to renew their rivalry in a professionally sanctioned rematch scheduled for 19 September in Las Vegas.
The bout will be staged at the Sphere, an 18,000-capacity venue reported to have cost $2.3bn to build, and will be streamed globally via Netflix.
Their original contest in May 2015 widely billed as the “Fight of the Century” ended with Mayweather claiming a unanimous decision victory at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
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The fight generated millions of pay-per-view purchases and record revenues, cementing its place as one of boxing’s most lucrative events.
Long-awaited sequel finalised
Pacquiao had previously confirmed discussions were under way regarding a second meeting, and organisers say the agreement has now been completed.
The fight will be promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Manny Pacquiao Promotions in partnership with broadcast and production companies, with Mayweather’s unbeaten professional record of 50 wins at stake.
In a statement, Pacquiao said fans had “waited long enough” for the rematch and described the event as an opportunity to deliver an even bigger spectacle through global streaming.
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The Filipino fighter also reiterated his ambition to hand Mayweather what would be the first defeat of his professional career.
Preparations before September clash
Both boxers are expected to participate in exhibition contests ahead of the September showdown.
Pacquiao is reportedly preparing for an April exhibition against Ruslan Provodnikov, while Mayweather has been linked with a separate appearance involving former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.
Pacquiao, now in his late 40s, returned to prominence last year when he fought Mario Barrios to a draw in a high-profile comeback performance.
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Mayweather, who retired after defeating Conor McGregor in 2017 to extend his record to 50-0, has remained active through a series of exhibition bouts.
Legacy bout revisited
Their first meeting produced record financial returns, with Mayweather reportedly earning hundreds of millions of dollars and Pacquiao also securing one of the largest purses in boxing history.
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More than a decade on, the rematch is expected to draw significant global attention once again as two champions of the sport revisit one of boxing’s defining rivalries.
