Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao rematch: Are the pair set to fight again?
Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao could be set to rematch their famous 2015 fight that raked in half a billion dollars but there is one key factor left to be decided as it all depends on a Japanese MMA promotion.
Despite the pair officially calling time on their careers in 2017 and 2021, they continue to scrap it out in boxing rings around the world in exhibition contests and now they could be set to meet again at their ages of 47 for Mayweather and 45 for Pacquiao.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if anything happens these days, so the possibility is still there,” Rizin promoter, Nobuyuki Sakakibara, told SunSport. “We still have a good relationship with Floyd but he’s not thinking of coming back to real competitive fights.
“I understand that there isn’t no interest from his side on the rematch in non-official bout, and Manny is interested. So it all comes down to the timing. And when everything aligns perfectly, I’m sure that rematch will happen.”
The Filipino is contracted to Rizin and the promotion previously had a relationship with his potential rival, who won two knockout victories against opponents when he worked for them too, making them a key player in a possible deal with an already-established rapport.
Who will Manny Pacquiao fight next?
Pacquiao and his team have been discussing a rematch with Money Mayweather since 2023 but nothing has yet materialized and as a result, Mayweather will fight John Gotti III on August 23 instead.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao will take on an ex-kickboxing champion, Rukiya Anpo, in Tokyo but a shot at a return to professional boxing could be on the horizon for the legendary fighter too as the WBC is reported to have given him a chance to face Marrio Barrios.
“Depending on the result and his performance in his upcoming fight on July 28th, we need to assess the market to see if his return would make sense,” Sakakibara added. “This is a single bout agreement so if we were to have him back, we need to make sure there is a demand in the market.
“If we can create momentum and anticipation together – since Manny himself is still wanting to have competitive fights – he’s not thinking that this is his last fight.
“So, if things turn out right, there is a good possibility where there could be more Manny Pacquiao fights in Rizin.”
