A Second Dance? Pacquiao Floats the Possibility of a Mayweather Rematch in 2026

Ten years after their historic first encounter, boxing legends Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. may be on a collision course for a rematch, according to recent statements made by Pacquiao. The original fight, held in May 2015, saw Mayweather defeat Pacquiao by unanimous decision, claiming the WBC, WBA, WBO, and Ring Magazine world welterweight titles in a bout that shattered financial records but left many fans wanting more.

Speaking at a press conference in the Philippines on Wednesday, Pacquiao confirmed that negotiations were underway regarding his next fight, with a potential rematch against Mayweather being a prominent option. "Right now we have a lot of negotiations about my next fight; there’s a possible rematch with Floyd Mayweather," Pacquiao stated. "There’s a lot of ongoing negotiations right now, so it’s hard to plan what fight I’m going to post. I’m waiting for the final negotiation."

While Pacquiao acknowledged the ongoing discussions with Mayweather’s camp, he also emphasized that he is in talks with other fighters, leaving the ultimate decision on his next opponent uncertain. The prospect of a rematch between two icons of the sport, both now in their 40s, has already generated considerable buzz within the boxing community, although questions remain about the level of competition and the appeal of such a fight given their advanced ages.

The original Mayweather-Pacquiao fight was years in the making, plagued by contractual disputes, disagreements over drug testing, and the fighters’ reluctance to cede any advantage to their rival. When it finally materialized, it became one of the most lucrative events in boxing history, generating an estimated $600 million in revenue. Mayweather reportedly earned over $200 million from the fight, while Pacquiao’s share was around $120 million.

However, the fight itself failed to live up to the immense hype. Mayweather employed his signature defensive style, frustrating Pacquiao’s aggressive attacks and landing counter punches with precision. Pacquiao later revealed that he had been suffering from a shoulder injury leading up to the fight, which limited his ability to throw punches effectively.

Despite the disappointing performance, the demand for a rematch was immediate. However, various factors, including Mayweather’s retirement and Pacquiao’s commitments to his political career, prevented a second fight from materializing.

Following his loss to Mayweather, Pacquiao continued to compete actively in the ring, fighting seven more times before announcing his retirement in 2021. During this period, he secured notable victories against the likes of Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, and Keith Thurman, while suffering defeats against Jeff Horn and Yordenis Ugas.

In April 2024, at the age of 46, Pacquiao made a comeback to the sport, facing WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. The fight ended in a majority draw, with many observers believing that Pacquiao had done enough to earn the victory. The result fueled speculation about Pacquiao’s future plans, with the possibility of a Mayweather rematch gaining renewed momentum.

Mayweather, on the other hand, has remained retired from professional boxing since his 50th career victory against Conor McGregor in 2017. However, he has participated in several exhibition bouts against a variety of opponents, including kickboxers, YouTubers, and MMA fighters. These exhibition matches have been lucrative ventures for Mayweather, allowing him to stay in the public eye and continue generating revenue without risking his perfect professional record.

Mayweather’s exhibition bouts have been met with mixed reactions from the boxing community. Some fans view them as entertaining spectacles, while others criticize them as being farces that tarnish the legacy of a legendary fighter. Regardless of the opinions, Mayweather’s ability to draw crowds and generate revenue remains unparalleled.

As both fighters approach their late 40s, the question of whether a Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch would be a worthwhile event is a subject of debate. Some argue that the fighters are past their prime and that the quality of the boxing would be significantly lower than in their first encounter. Others contend that the historical significance of the rivalry and the potential for a compelling narrative would still make it a must-see event.

The first fight was criticized by some for its high ticket prices and pay-per-view costs, which priced many fans out of the opportunity to watch it live. Whether a rematch would follow the same pattern remains to be seen. The economic dynamics of the sport have changed, with streaming services and online platforms playing an increasingly important role in the distribution of boxing events.

The implications of a potential rematch extend beyond the financial and entertainment aspects. A victory for either fighter would provide a significant boost to their legacy and solidify their place in boxing history. For Pacquiao, a win against Mayweather would avenge his previous defeat and cement his status as one of the greatest boxers of all time. For Mayweather, a victory would further enhance his undefeated record and cement his claim as the best boxer of his generation.

The negotiations between Pacquiao and Mayweather’s camps are expected to be complex and protracted. Both fighters have strong personalities and are known for their business acumen, so reaching an agreement that satisfies both parties will require careful negotiation and compromise.

Several factors could influence the outcome of the negotiations, including the financial terms, the weight class, the location of the fight, and the rules and regulations. The fighters may also have differing opinions on the promotional aspects of the event and the distribution of revenue.

Ultimately, the decision on whether to proceed with a Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch rests with the fighters themselves. Both men have achieved enormous success in their careers and have the financial security to make choices based on their personal preferences. Whether they are motivated by a desire to settle the score, to generate more revenue, or to simply entertain the fans remains to be seen.

If the fight does materialize, it is likely to be one of the most highly anticipated and widely discussed sporting events in recent history. The world will be watching to see if these two legends can recapture the magic of their first encounter and provide a fitting conclusion to one of boxing’s greatest rivalries.