The boxing world is buzzing with news of an epic showdown. More than a decade after their record-shattering “Fight of the Century,” two of the sport’s all-time greats, Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. and Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao, are officially set to reignite their legendary rivalry. This highly anticipated professional rematch will stream live globally on Netflix, bringing a new era of combat sports broadcasting to a worldwide audience. Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 19, 2026, as these icons clash again at the state-of-the-art Sphere in Las Vegas. This event promises a blend of drama, controversy, and boxing history, delivered on one of the planet’s most technologically advanced stages.
The Unfinished Business: A Decade in the Making
The first encounter in May 2015, dubbed the “Fight of the Century,” captivated millions. It became the highest-grossing fight in boxing history, smashing pay-per-view (PPV) and live-gate records. Mayweather secured a unanimous decision, claiming the WBA, WBC, and WBO welterweight titles. Despite the immense financial success and global viewership, the in-ring action received mixed reviews, with some critics noting a lack of “fireworks.” Pacquiao later attributed his defeat to a shoulder injury, adding another layer to the narrative of “what ifs.” Now, 11 years later, the lingering questions and mutual ambitions finally lead to a second chapter.
A Return to the Ring for Legendary Rivals
Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr., originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, retired from professional boxing in 2017 with a flawless 50-0 record. He captured 15 major world championships across five weight classes. Since his last professional bout against Conor McGregor in 2017, Mayweather has engaged in several lucrative exhibition matches. At 48 years old at the time of the rematch, this marks his fourth return to the professional ring, putting his coveted undefeated record on the line once more. His confidence remains unshaken, stating, “I already fought and beat Manny once. This time will be the same result.”
Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao, a global icon from the Philippines, stands as one of boxing’s most accomplished fighters. He is the only eight-division world champion, holding 12 major world titles throughout his illustrious career. Pacquiao also holds the distinction of being the first boxer to become a recognized four-time welterweight champion and the only boxer to hold world championships in four different decades. He even became the oldest welterweight world champion at age 40. Pacquiao, who will be 47 at the time of the fight, initially retired in 2021 to pursue a political career in the Philippines. However, he made a professional return in July 2025, fighting WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios to a controversial draw. His recent activity could prove a crucial advantage against a less active Mayweather.
Motivations: Legacy, Revenge, and Unmatched Financial Stakes
Both fighters bring immense personal stakes into this rematch. Pacquiao has openly declared his ambition to inflict the first professional loss on Mayweather’s record. “I want Floyd to be forever haunted by the one loss on his professional record and always remember who gave it to him,” Pacquiao proclaimed. He also emphasizes dedicating the fight to his “fellow Filipinos around the world, and to bring glory to the Philippines.” For Pacquiao, this fight represents a chance at revenge, legacy-cementation, and national pride.
While the pursuit of glory is evident, the financial incentives for this rematch are undeniably massive. Their first bout generated unprecedented figures, and this second act is expected to earn both legends “tens of millions of dollars.” Mayweather himself has emphasized his unique ability to generate significant financial and viewership figures. Observers widely acknowledge that the rematch, despite being highly anticipated, is driven “more by the money than anything else.” For Netflix, this represents a significant investment in their growing live sports portfolio.
Netflix’s Bold Move into Live Combat Sports
This historic Mayweather vs. Pacquiao rematch is the latest, and arguably biggest, chapter in Netflix’s aggressive expansion into live combat sports. The streaming giant has rapidly cemented its position as a major player in this space. Gabe Spitzer, Vice President of Sports at Netflix, expressed his excitement: “Bringing this rematch to Netflix is a massive ‘full circle’ moment. We’re thrilled to combine their storied rivalry with the immersive technology of Sphere to deliver a landmark sporting event to our members worldwide.”
Netflix’s previous forays have already set new benchmarks:
The 2024 Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson event drew an astonishing 108 million live global viewers, becoming the most-streamed sporting event in history.
Upcoming events include a mixed martial arts event featuring Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano on May 16.
Boxing legend Tyson Fury will face Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11 in Netflix’s first live event from the United Kingdom.
Recent successes include Anthony Joshua’s knockout over Jake Paul in December, Terence “Bud” Crawford’s win over Canelo Álvarez, and Taylor–Serrano 3, the most-watched professional women’s sporting event of 2025 in the US.
This strategic move leverages the enduring star power of boxing legends to attract and retain subscribers, further solidifying Netflix’s commitment to high-stakes live entertainment.
The Sphere: A Groundbreaking Venue for a Historic Fight
The rematch will unfold at the Sphere in Las Vegas, marking a historic first for boxing. This groundbreaking venue is renowned for its immersive technology and unparalleled visual experience. Hosting an event of this magnitude at the Sphere underscores the ambition to create an unforgettable spectacle, merging elite sports with cutting-edge entertainment. The advanced stage is expected to amplify the drama and intensity, offering fans, both in attendance and streaming globally, a truly unique viewing experience.
What to Expect from Mayweather vs. Pacquiao II
Eleven years is a long time in combat sports. By September 2026, Mayweather will be 48 and Pacquiao 47. Many analysts believe both fighters were past their absolute prime even during their 2015 encounter, and the rematch is widely anticipated to be of “even lower quality” in terms of peak athletic performance. However, its “professional” designation—meaning Mayweather’s undefeated record is truly on the line—adds a critical layer of intrigue.
Pacquiao’s more recent professional activity, including his contested draw against Mario Barrios, could give him an edge against a Mayweather who has been absent from professional competition for much longer. While Mayweather has maintained sharpness through exhibition bouts, a professional fight carries different demands. The underlying narrative, amplified by Netflix’s global reach, focuses less on peak athleticism and more on the sheer historical significance, the financial spectacle, and Pacquiao’s relentless pursuit of that elusive “1” on Mayweather’s record. The rematch will be organized and produced by EverWonder Studio, Hidden Empire, and Limitless X Holdings, with promotion by Manny Pacquiao Promotions, Mayweather Promotions, and CSI Sports/Fight Sports. Full details on ticket availability will be announced soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key details for the upcoming Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao rematch?
The highly anticipated professional boxing rematch between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026. It will take place live at the Sphere in Las Vegas, marking the first boxing event at this advanced venue. The fight will be streamed globally on Netflix, included with all subscription plans, making it accessible to a massive international audience.
Why is this rematch happening more than a decade after their first fight?
The rematch is driven by a combination of lingering ambitions and immense financial incentives. Manny Pacquiao openly seeks to inflict the first professional loss on Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s undefeated record. For both fighters, who are considered among boxing’s greatest, the event also presents an opportunity for significant earnings, with projections of “tens of millions of dollars.” Netflix’s strategic expansion into live sports further amplifies the global reach and financial potential of this historic bout.
How does Netflix’s involvement impact the significance of the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao rematch?
Netflix’s role transforms the rematch into a globally accessible, mainstream sporting event. By streaming the fight live worldwide to all its subscribers, Netflix significantly expands the fight’s potential audience beyond traditional pay-per-view models. This move highlights Netflix’s substantial investment in live combat sports, leveraging the star power of these boxing legends to attract and retain subscribers, as seen with their record-breaking Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson event.
Conclusion
The “Fight of the Century” created an enduring legacy, but the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao rematch promises to redefine it. With two of boxing’s greatest gladiators stepping into the ring for one last professional dance, the stakes—personal, historical, and financial—could not be higher. Streaming live to millions worldwide on Netflix from the technologically advanced Sphere, this event is more than just a boxing match; it’s a testament to the enduring power of rivalry, the allure of legacy, and the evolving landscape of live sports entertainment. Prepare for history to be made, again, on September 19, 2026.
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