Boxing Legends Announce Netflix Rematch for September
Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, two of the most iconic figures in boxing history, will step into the ring once again on September 19 in Las Vegas for a long-awaited rematch. This high-profile bout will be streamed live globally on Netflix, marking a significant expansion of the streaming giant's live sports offerings. The announcement has generated immense excitement among boxing fans worldwide, despite both fighters being well past their athletic primes.
A Rematch Nine Years in the Making
The first encounter between Mayweather and Pacquiao occurred in 2015 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, a fight that generated record-breaking pay-per-view numbers but was criticized by many as a tactical, defensive affair with both fighters past their peaks. Mayweather emerged victorious by unanimous decision, preserving his undefeated professional record. Now, nearly a decade later, the two legends will meet again with Mayweather at 49 years old and Pacquiao at 47, making this one of the oldest high-profile boxing matches in recent memory.
Fighters' Recent Careers and Statements
Mayweather, who retired from professional boxing in 2017 after defeating UFC star Conor McGregor in what many considered a glorified exhibition match, has maintained his unbeaten record through 50 professional fights. Pacquiao, meanwhile, last fought professionally in 2021 for the WBC welterweight championship and remains a national hero in the Philippines, though he is far from the dominant force he was during his prime years.
Both fighters expressed strong sentiments about the upcoming rematch. Pacquiao stated, "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." He added, "I want Floyd to live with the one loss on his professional record and always remember who gave it to him."
Mayweather responded with characteristic confidence: "I already fought and beat Manny once. This time will be the same result." The financial stakes remain enormous, with both fighters expected to earn tens of millions of dollars from the event.
Netflix's Expanding Sports Portfolio
This fight represents another major move by Netflix into live sports broadcasting. The streaming service has been aggressively expanding its sports content, most notably with the Jake Paul versus Mike Tyson fight in 2024, which attracted 108 million live global viewers and became the most-streamed sporting event in history. Netflix has also broadcast NFL games on Christmas Day and provided live coverage of extreme sports events like climber Alex Honnold scaling a Taipei skyscraper.
While the athletic quality of the Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch may not match their prime years, the event promises to capture global attention through Netflix's massive distribution platform. The fight will test whether streaming services can successfully host major sporting events that traditionally aired on pay-per-view or network television.
