Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are poised to reignite their legendary rivalry in a much-anticipated rematch scheduled for September 19, 2024, at the Sphere in Las Vegas. This fight marks a significant return for both fighters and will be streamed globally on Netflix, providing access to its extensive subscriber base.
The announcement follows Mayweather’s recent confirmation of his comeback from retirement, which he initially announced after his exhibition match against Mike Tyson in 2026. Mayweather has secured a multi-fight deal with CSI Sports/Fight Sports that promises to deliver more bouts in the future. Pacquiao, on the other hand, notably returned to the ring in July 2023, facing former WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, resulting in a majority draw. He is also scheduled for an exhibition match against Ruslan Provodnikov on April 18, 2024, in Las Vegas.
Details and Expectations for the Fight
Specifics regarding the weight class and number of rounds for the upcoming rematch remain undisclosed. The event will be jointly promoted by Manny Pacquiao Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, in collaboration with CSI Sports/Fight Sports. Production will be handled by EverWonder Studio, Hidden Empire, and Limitless X Holdings.
Reflecting on their rivalry, Mayweather, who turns 49 on February 24, stated, “I already fought and beat Manny once. This time will be the same result.” His previous encounter with Pacquiao, which took place on May 2, 2015, set remarkable records, including 4.6 million pay-per-view buys and generating $410 million in revenue, alongside $72.2 million in ticket sales. Mayweather secured victory by unanimous decision in that bout.
Pacquiao, who is currently 47, retired after his 2021 loss to Yordenis Ugas but expressed a strong desire to face Mayweather again. He emphasized the fans’ anticipation, declaring, “The fans have waited long enough, they deserve this rematch, and it will be even bigger now that it will be streamed live globally on Netflix. I want Floyd to live with the one loss on his professional record and always remember who gave it to him.”
Streaming and Global Audience Impact
While the fight may not surpass traditional pay-per-view records, Netflix’s global reach, with over 325 million subscribers, presents a unique opportunity for widespread viewership. Gabe Spitzer, Netflix’s Vice President of Sports, described the match-up as a “massive full-circle moment.” He highlighted the immersive experience of the Sphere, which will host its inaugural boxing event.
As Mayweather and Pacquiao prepare to step back into the ring nearly a decade after their first encounter, fans around the world eagerly await this rematch that promises to reignite the excitement of one of boxing’s most storied rivalries.
