Pacquiao and Mayweather to Rematch at Las Vegas' Sphere on Sept. 19, Streaming on Netflix

The news solidifies Netflix's aggressive expansion into combat sports following its record-breakingJake Paul vs. Mike Tyson spectacle and the upcoming Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano bout. 

Here is the official news (via Netflix on X):

For the boxing world, it is a shocking return to a rivalry that once defined the sport. Mayweather, who retired from professional prizefighting in 2017 with a perfect 50-0 record, will risk his unblemished legacy against the only eight-division world champion in history. 

The fight will take place just months after both men are scheduled to participate in separate exhibition tune-ups this spring. Pacquiao’s exhibition fight will be against Ruslan Provodnikov in April, while Mayweather will be facing Mike Tyson in the same month.

Pacquiao, who holds a record of 62-8-3, expressed his desire to avenge his 2015 loss to Mayweather. 

"Floyd and I gave the world what remains the biggest fight in boxing history. 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," Pacquiao said in a statement to Netflix. 

He added a pointed warning, stating, "I want Floyd to live with the one loss on his professional record and always remember who gave it to him. As always, I dedicate this fight to my fellow Filipinos around the world and to bringing glory to the Philippines."

Mayweather responded with his characteristic confidence, dismissing any notion that the sequel would differ from their first encounter. 

"I already fought and beat Manny once. This time will be the same result," he asserted. 

Their initial fight in 2015 generated a record 4.6 million pay-per-view buys and a live gate of $72 million, numbers that have yet to be surpassed. 

The original bout, however, was often criticized for a lack of action due to Mayweather's defensive mastery, a point Pacquiao attributed to a shoulder injury.

Since their first meeting, the trajectories of the two legends have followed different paths that have also shared some striking similarities. ne pursuing political power, the other perfecting the art of lucrative exhibitions.

'Pacman' Returns

Since his last fight with Mayweather, Pacquiao continued his historic in-ring career, becoming the oldest welterweight champion in history at 40 by defeating Keith Thurman in 2019. He officially retired from boxing in September 2021 after losing to Yordenis Ugas to focus on a failed presidential bid in the Philippines.

Just last June, the eight-division champion was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy before announcing his surprising return to the professional ranks at 47.

A majority draw against Mario Barrios marked his return to professional competition in July 2025.

Despite the result, his impressive performance was enough for him to secure a spot at the top of the rankings for the WBC. 

'Money' Back in the Ring

Following his 2015 victory over Pacquiao, Mayweather retired, only to return in 2017 for a cross-sport spectacle against Conor McGregor, winning by 10th-round TKO to push his professional record to a perfect 50-0.

He has since remained in the public eye through a series of high-profile exhibition bouts, most recently against John Gotti III in August 2024, and will face Mike Tyson in April. 

Outside of the ring, Mayweather has been embroiled in a legal battle against Showtime Networks, alleging that his former network and former manager, Al Haymon, misappropriated $340 million in fight earnings.

The Location

The Sphere, which opened in September 2023, made its combat sports debut in September 2024 when it hosted UFC 306. Dana White reportedly spent $20 million on the live spectacle, and UFC won Sports Emmy awards last year.

The Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch will mark the first time a professional boxing match has been staged inside the technologically advanced arena. 

The combination of the sport's two biggest legends and a venue capable of transforming the visual landscape behind them promises an atmosphere unlike any fight night in boxing history.

This upcoming bout between two bona fide legends is a testament to the enduring allure of greatness, even when past its prime. Whether this fight delivers the action the first bout lacked or simply offers a final payday for two aging superstars, the entire world will be watching thanks to Netflix's global platform.