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Manny Pacquiao Wants Mega Rematch

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 12:49 PM ET

At 46 years old, Manny Pacquiao surprised many by looking far sharper than expected in his comeback bout against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. Despite the age gap of 16 years between them. The “PacMan” showed flashes of the blistering speed, angles, and footwork that made him an eight-division world champion and global icon. But the night ended in a majority draw, denying Pacquiao the chance to rewrite history as the oldest fighter to win a welterweight world title.

Still, the fight was a moral victory of sorts. After looking sluggish and out of sync in his 2021 loss to Yordenis Ugas, Pacquiao appeared refreshed, engaged, and at times even dangerous. He went toe to toe with a prime, physically imposing opponent and did not look out of place.

At the post fight press conference, Pacquiao was clear: “Don’t worry, the PacMan is back, and the journey will continue.”

That leaves fans and pundits with the obvious question, What’s next?

Even at 46 years old, Manny Pacquiao is looking dangerous.

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— theScore (@theScore) July 20, 2025

The rematch Manny really wants

A rematch with Mario Barrios is certainly on the table both fighters agreed it’s a possibility but whether that’s what fans truly want is another matter. While the first bout was competitive, it lacked the kind of drama or urgency that fuels demand for an immediate sequel. Moreover, there’s always the risk that a more motivated, better prepared Barrios could outclass an older Pacquiao the second time around. But PacMan wants the biggest name to run it back again in Floyd Mayweather who’s currently retired.

“If Mayweather comes out of retirement and signs the contract, we’ll fight,” Pacquiao said at the post fight press conference. “Let’s fight again if he wants. I’m active now.”

With those words, Pacquiao reignited talk of a long-awaited rematch with Floyd Mayweather, nearly a decade after their first bout in 2015 shattered pay-per-view records but left many fans underwhelmed.

At 46 years old, Pacquiao says he’s ready and unlike Mayweather, he’s still competing in sanctioned, high-level bouts. The question now shifts to Mayweather. Would he return to face a sharper, looser, and more aggressive version of his old rival?

If Mayweather vs. Pacquiao II were to happen, even in a limited or exhibition format, it would instantly become one of the biggest combat sports events of the year and possibly a high-stakes swan song for two of boxing’s greatest.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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