Las Vegas is set to host a rematch decades in the making. Boxing icons Floyd Mayweather Jr. And Manny Pacquiao have agreed to meet again in a professional boxing match on September 19th, at the state-of-the-art Sphere arena. The highly anticipated bout will be globally streamed on Netflix, marking a significant shift in how major boxing events are distributed and consumed. This fight represents not only a return to the ring for both legendary fighters but also a new era in sports broadcasting, leveraging the reach of a global streaming giant.
The announcement follows closely on the heels of Mayweather’s recent indication that he intends to come out of retirement, initially spurred by plans for an exhibition match against Mike Tyson and a multifight partnership with CSI Sports/Fight Sports. Pacquiao, too, has demonstrated his continued competitive spirit, having returned to the ring last July for a majority draw against then-WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. He is also scheduled for an exhibition fight against Ruslan Provodnikov on April 18th at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The rekindled rivalry between Mayweather and Pacquiao promises to draw a massive audience, eager to witness a rematch years in the making.
A Rematch Years in the Making
The original encounter between Mayweather and Pacquiao on May 2, 2015, was a record-breaking event, though it arguably didn’t live up to the immense hype surrounding it. The fight generated 4.6 million pay-per-view buys in the United States, resulting in over $410 million in revenue and shattered gate records with $72.2 million in ticket sales. The rematch aims to capitalize on the enduring interest in these two boxing legends and reach an even wider audience through its distribution on Netflix, which boasts over 325 million subscribers worldwide. The 2024 clash between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson on Netflix drew 108 million live global viewers, becoming the most-streamed sporting event in history, demonstrating the platform’s potential to revolutionize sports broadcasting.
Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are set to fight again on September 19th at the Sphere in Las Vegas, and it will be streamed globally on Netflix. 🍿https://t.co/wJq9q9q9q9
— Andreas Hale (@AndreasHale) February 23, 2026
While the specifics regarding the weight class and the number of rounds for the September 19th fight remain undisclosed, the anticipation is already building. Both fighters have remained active in the boxing world since their initial encounter, albeit in different capacities. Mayweather, now 49 years old (turning 49 on February 24th), retired from professional boxing at the age of 40 after achieving a perfect 50-0 record with 27 knockouts, including a victory over MMA star Conor McGregor in August 2017. He has since participated in several exhibition matches, including bouts against Logan Paul and John Gotti III. Pacquiao, at 47, initially retired following a loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021 but made a return to the ring in 2025, facing Mario Barrios.
The Sphere and a New Era of Boxing Presentation
The choice of the Sphere as the venue for this high-profile rematch is noteworthy. The $2.3 billion arena, known for its immersive visual and audio technology, hosted a UFC event in 2024, with production costs exceeding $20 million. The Sphere’s capabilities promise to deliver a unique and captivating experience for both the live audience and viewers streaming the event on Netflix. The production of the fight will be handled by EverWonder Studio, Hidden Empire, and Limitless X Holdings, while Manny Pacquiao Promotions and Mayweather Promotions are partnering with CSI Sports/Fight Sports to promote the event.
The decision to stream the fight globally on Netflix represents a significant departure from traditional pay-per-view models. Gabe Spitzer, Vice President of Sports at Netflix, emphasized the platform’s excitement about bringing this landmark event to its members worldwide, combining the storied rivalry between Mayweather and Pacquiao with the immersive technology of the Sphere. “Earlier in my career, I spent weeks in Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao’s training camps in Las Vegas and the Philippines,” Spitzer stated. “It was undeniable that they were the two hardest workers in boxing, and their wins and accolades were a product of that. Bringing this rematch to Netflix is a massive ‘full-circle’ moment. We’re thrilled to combine their storied rivalry with the immersive technology of Sphere to deliver a landmark sporting event to our members worldwide.”
Pacquiao’s Pursuit of a Defining Victory
For Manny Pacquiao, this rematch is more than just another fight; it’s a chance to rewrite history. Pacquiao has long sought a second opportunity to face Mayweather, believing he was not at his best during their first encounter due to a shoulder injury. He aims to become the first fighter to defeat Mayweather, who currently boasts a flawless professional record. “Floyd and I gave the world what remains the biggest fight in boxing history,” Pacquiao said in a statement. “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 aim for 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, characteristically confident, has already dismissed Pacquiao’s chances, stating, “I already fought and beat Manny once. This time will be the same result.” This echoes the sentiment he expressed leading up to their first fight, and underscores his unwavering belief in his abilities. The rematch will undoubtedly be a test of both fighters’ skills and endurance, as they navigate the challenges of age and the evolving landscape of professional boxing.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Boxing and Streaming
The Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch is poised to be a watershed moment for the sport of boxing, demonstrating the potential of streaming platforms to reach a global audience and redefine the fan experience. The partnership between Netflix and the promoters of the fight signals a growing trend towards embracing new technologies and distribution models in the world of sports. As both Mayweather and Pacquiao prepare for their highly anticipated rematch, the boxing world eagerly awaits what promises to be a thrilling and historic event. The next confirmed update will be the announcement of the agreed-upon weight class and round structure for the fight, expected in the coming weeks.
The boxing community and fans worldwide are encouraged to share their thoughts and predictions for the rematch. The conversation surrounding this event is sure to be lively, as two of the greatest boxers of their generation prepare to face off once again.