“First Time Wasn’t Late Enough” – Fans Troll Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Paquiao Rematch Announcement

Boxing legends Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are set to rematch after almost 11 years from their first bout.


“First Time Wasn’t Late Enough” – Fans Troll Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Paquiao Rematch Announcement

Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao rematch (via The New Yorker)

In Short
  • Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will face off in a rematch on September 19, 2026, at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
  • The fight will be streamed globally on Netflix, marking the venue's first professional boxing event.
  • Fans have expressed skepticism about the rematch, viewing it as a money grab rather than a legitimate sporting contest.

Floyd Mayweather has remained one of boxing’s biggest global draws, sustaining star power beyond his competitive prime. He retired from professional boxing in 2017 after defeating Conor McGregor, finishing 50-0, but continued competing in exhibition bouts against influencers and younger fighters. Now at 49, Mayweather is set to return to professional action against former rival Manny Pacquiao on September 19.

Their first fight took place on May 2, 2015, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, where Mayweather defeated Pacquiao by unanimous decision. The bout generated about 4.6 million pay-per-view buys in the United States and over $600 million in revenue, becoming one of the biggest events in boxing history. Despite repeated discussions afterward, a rematch did not materialize until now.

The upcoming rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao is set for September 19, 2026, in Las Vegas at the Sphere, a cutting-edge venue on the Strip. It will be the first professional boxing event held there, featuring advanced visuals and immersive technology. Unlike their first fight, it will be streamed globally on Netflix, highlighting the bout’s commercial and sporting significance.

This rematch announcement comes just days after Mayweather confirmed his return from professional retirement. He is also set to face heavyweight legend Mike Tyson in an exhibition bout in Johannesburg, South Africa, on March 15, 2026. The fight is expected to draw major international attention, and Mayweather’s involvement in both high-profile events highlights his continued influence on boxing.

Since their 2015 bout, Pacquiao has remained active in boxing, winning multiple welterweight titles and cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Alongside his athletic career, ‘Pac Man’ has been heavily involved in Philippine politics, serving as a senator. His most recent professional fight ended in a majority draw when he challenged Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title in July 2025.

While Manny Pacquiao enters the bout as a seasoned veteran with decades of experience and multiple titles, Floyd Mayweather will risk his perfect 50-0 professional record. Maintaining an unbeaten career has placed ‘Money’ in an elite category of boxing history, making this rematch as much about legacy as competition. The September 19 fight in Las Vegas promises to be a defining moment for both fighters,

Fans react to the announcement of Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao

The first fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in 2015 was highly scrutinized, as both fighters were considered past their prime. Mayweather was 38 and Pacquiao 36 during that bout, sparking debates about their performance levels. Almost 11 years later, the upcoming Netflix rematch has generated even more attention, with fans eager to see how the two legends perform after over a decade apart.

Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao
Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao (via Rolling Stone)

Fans have reacted with excitement to the scale of the upcoming rematch, calling it one of the biggest boxing events in recent history. Many are intrigued by the choice of the Sphere in Las Vegas, which will host its first-ever professional boxing bout. The venue’s advanced visuals and immersive technology have added to the anticipation, with viewers eager to experience the fight in a new setting.

A significant portion of fans have criticized the rematch, calling it a money grab rather than a genuine sporting contest. Many argue that both Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are only returning to the ring so many years after their primes to capitalize financially. Social media discussions have highlighted skepticism over their motivations, with some suggesting the fight prioritizes profit over competition.

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