Manny Pacquiao just reignited one of boxing’s most polarizing rivalries. The Filipino icon confirmed Wednesday that talks for a blockbuster rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. are underway—11 years after their underwhelming 2015 “Fight of the Century.”
Speaking at a press conference at Novotel Manila Araneta City where he was formally introduced as vice president of the International Boxing Association, Pacquiao said a second meeting with Mayweather is more than wishful thinking. “I’d love to have a rematch with Floyd Mayweather, so I hope that we can understand each other and negotiate well,” he said, hinting that early 2026 is a possible window.
The revelation immediately sent shockwaves through the boxing community, with fans split between excitement and skepticism. For many, the first bout—though a financial juggernaut—failed to deliver the fireworks they expected. Mayweather dominated en route to a unanimous decision victory, while Pacquiao later revealed he had fought with a shoulder injury.
Ring Magazine’s Mike Coppinger was first to report that Pacquiao-Mayweather 2 is being discussed, potentially as a Netflix-exclusive event following the successful Canelo Alvarez–Terence Crawford fight card streamed last September.
Still, Pacquiao clarified that no deal has been finalized. “There’s a lot of ongoing negotiations right now, so it’s hard to preempt what fight I’m going to push through. I’m just waiting for the final negotiation,” he said. The former senator also revealed that another name on the table is Vasiliy Lomachenko, the Ukrainian boxing maestro and former lightweight champion.
Both fighters are well past their prime—Mayweather retired in 2017 and Pacquiao hung up his gloves in 2021—but their star power remains unmatched. For purists, the idea of a rematch between two legends in their late forties borders on spectacle. For promoters, it’s pure gold.
Whether it becomes a genuine redemption story or a controversial cash grab, one thing is certain: the world will be watching if Pacquiao and Mayweather ever share the ring again.