Pacquiao’s Return Fuels Talk Over A Mayweather Rematch

Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao had their fight of the century in 2015, but is there a case for a rematch? 

Mayweather defeated Pacquiao in a one-sided unanimous decision, as the fight failed to live up to the hype. Mayweather outboxed Pacquiao, who simply could not land enough offensive shots. The Filipino later complained of a shoulder injury. He would subsequently undergo rotator cuff surgery, as Mayweather accused Pacquiao of making excuses. While there were suggestions a rematch could happen, it never happened, as Mayweather would retire with a 50-0 record. 

Pacquiao’s Return

However, Pacquiao will return to professional boxing at 46 by facing Mario Barrios. He has been ranked number five by the WBC, as he faces the WBC Welterweight Champion. A victory makes Pacquiao the oldest welterweight champion, a record he already holds when he defeated Keith Thurman in 2019 at 40. However, the win would make him eclipse George Foreman’s record of 45, with only Bernard Hopkins ahead of him, who won a title at 49.

Naturally, there are question marks over whether fans could see a Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch. If Pacquiao were to come out victorious, Mayweather may be tempted to return with a mega offer. It would give him an opportunity to secure another world title against an ageing Pacquiao. Pacquiao showed in his last exhibition fight against Rukiya Anpo that he was not in the best form, as the Japanese had outboxed him. It also allows Mayweather to enter the boxing limelight. 

There are suggestions that he is going through financial troubles, although Mayweather has denied this to be the case. His brand has put him in a position where he could secure mega purses, potentially eclipsing what he earned for the first Pacquiao fight. Reports indicated it was over $300 million. Mayweather knows he has more income revenue streams this time around.

Will It Happen?

There is a rise in boxing platforms such as DAZN and Amazon Prime. There is also the introduction of capital into the sport by the Saudis. Mayweather has consistently said that he is not opposed to picking up extra money, meaning there is an opportunity to build up a potential exhibition against Pacman if he does not want to take a fight in a professional capacity. Mayweather has had numerous exhibitions since his retirement, facing off against Logan Paul and Deji. While that may be the case, Floyd Mayweather Sr. does not see his son making a return.

“I’m telling you, you know what’s up. I’m gonna whup him [Pacquiao] before Floyd whup him. I really believe this, and I’m telling you the honest truth right here…..Floyd could whup Pacquiao and then turn right back around and, give him about a three-round rest, and then he’d come back and get Conor, and I’m telling you, both of them are going to sleep,” Mayweather Sr. said