In a stunning announcement that has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao have agreed to a professional rematch that will take place on September 19, 2026 at the revolutionary Sphere venue in Las Vegas. The fight, which comes exactly 11 years after their first encounter, will be streamed globally on Netflix—marking the streaming giant's first major foray into live boxing pay-per-view and the first boxing event ever held at the $2.3 billion Sphere. For two legends who have defined an era of boxing, this represents one final chapter in a rivalry that has captivated fans for over a decade.
How the Mayweather-Pacquiao Rematch Came Together: Inside the Deal
The negotiations for this historic rematch have been quietly underway for months, with both fighters recognizing the unique opportunity to settle their rivalry at one of the world's most technologically advanced venues. According to multiple sources familiar with the deal, Mayweather will officially come out of retirement at age 48 to face Pacquiao, who at 47 recently returned to boxing after a brief political career in the Philippines. The fight will be contested at the welterweight limit of 147 pounds and will be a fully sanctioned professional bout—not an exhibition—with both fighters' records on the line.
What makes this rematch particularly significant is the venue choice. The Sphere, with its 18,600-seat capacity and revolutionary 160,000-square-foot LED display that wraps around the entire interior, will provide a visual spectacle unlike anything previously seen in boxing. Netflix's involvement represents another major shift in combat sports broadcasting, following their successful entry into live sports with NFL games and Formula 1 coverage. Industry analysts project the event could generate over $500 million in revenue, potentially surpassing their 2015 bout which generated approximately $600 million.
From 2015 to 2026: The Complete Mayweather-Pacquiao Timeline
The road to this rematch began on May 2, 2015, when Mayweather defeated Pacquiao by unanimous decision in what was billed as the "Fight of the Century." That bout, while financially successful, left many fans disappointed by what they perceived as a cautious tactical fight rather than the explosive encounter they had hoped for. In the years that followed, both fighters took very different paths. Mayweather retired in 2017 after defeating Conor McGregor, maintaining his perfect 50-0 record, while occasionally participating in lucrative exhibition matches around the world.
Pacquiao continued fighting until 2021, when he lost to Yordenis Ugás, then embarked on a political career that saw him serve as a senator in the Philippines and run for president in 2022. His return to boxing in 2025 against Mario Barrios—which ended in a controversial draw—demonstrated that the legendary fighter still possessed the skills and determination that made him an eight-division world champion. The timing of this rematch is particularly poignant, occurring when both fighters are in their late 40s, representing what will likely be the final professional fight for both legends.
Why This Rematch Matters: Stakes, Records, and Legacy
Beyond the spectacle and financial numbers, this fight carries immense significance for both fighters' legacies. For Mayweather, his perfect 50-0 record represents an untouchable milestone in boxing history—a record he has carefully protected through selective matchmaking and strategic career management. Pacquiao has explicitly stated his intention to "snatch" that undefeated record, telling talkSPORT: "I have waited 11 years for this opportunity. I know I can do what nobody else has done—hand Floyd his first loss." This psychological warfare adds another layer to a rivalry that has always been as much about mental games as physical skills.
The records tell their own story: Mayweather's 50-0 (27 KOs) against Pacquiao's 62-8-3 (39 KOs). While Mayweather has the better record statistically, Pacquiao has faced tougher competition in recent years and has remained more active. Boxing analysts are divided on how the fighters' ages will affect the bout. Some believe Mayweather's defensive genius and ring IQ will only improve with age, while others point to Pacquiao's relentless activity and proven ability to adapt his style. What's undeniable is that this fight represents a rare opportunity to see two all-time greats settle their rivalry definitively, with no questions about injuries or external factors that plagued their first encounter.
Where Things Stand Now: Latest on the September Showdown
As of the announcement, several key details have been confirmed while others remain to be finalized. The date (September 19, 2026) and venue (Sphere, Las Vegas) are locked in, as is the broadcast partnership with Netflix. The fight will be available to all Netflix subscribers worldwide as part of their regular subscription—a revolutionary approach that eliminates the traditional pay-per-view model. Ticket sales for the live event are expected to begin in early 2027, with prices anticipated to range from $1,000 for upper-level seats to $50,000 or more for ringside positions.
Both fighters have begun their training camps, with Mayweather reportedly working with his longtime trainer and father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., while Pacquiao has returned to his legendary trainer Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood. The undercard is still being assembled, but promoters have indicated it will feature several rising stars and former champions to create a complete entertainment package. Medical testing and licensing procedures with the Nevada State Athletic Commission are underway, with both fighters expected to pass without issue despite their ages.
What Happens Next: The Road to September 19
The boxing world now turns its attention to the months leading up to the fight, which will feature the traditional promotional tour, media events, and the inevitable psychological games between two masters of mental warfare. Experts predict the training camps will be closely watched, particularly for signs of how each fighter is adapting to their advanced age. Mayweather will likely emphasize his defensive techniques and counter-punching accuracy, while Pacquiao will focus on maintaining his legendary footwork and hand speed while increasing his power training.
Several intriguing questions will dominate the pre-fight narrative: Can Pacquiao's aggressive style break through Mayweather's nearly impenetrable defense? Will Mayweather's age finally show against an opponent who has remained more active? How will the unique environment of the Sphere affect both fighters' performances? And perhaps most importantly, what impact will this fight have on the legacies of two fighters already guaranteed places in the International Boxing Hall of Fame? The answers will only come when the bell rings on September 19, but the journey promises to be as compelling as the destination.
The Bottom Line: Key Points to Remember
• Floyd Mayweather (48) and Manny Pacquiao (47) will meet in a professional boxing rematch on September 19, 2026 at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
• The fight will be streamed globally on Netflix, marking the streaming service's entry into major boxing events.
• Mayweather's perfect 50-0 record is on the line against Pacquiao's 62-8-3 record.
• This represents the first boxing event at the $2.3 billion Sphere venue.
• The rematch comes 11 years after their first fight in 2015, which Mayweather won by unanimous decision.
• Both fighters are expected to retire after this bout, making it the final chapter in one of boxing's greatest rivalries.
• Industry projections estimate the event could generate over $500 million in revenue.
