What's happened
Manny Pacquiao, 46, is negotiating a potential rematch with Floyd Mayweather, possibly streamed on Netflix in 2026. After fighting to a draw in July, Pacquiao hinted at a comeback, while Mayweather remains retired but active in exhibitions. The fight would revisit their 2015 bout's legacy.
What's behind the headline?
The potential Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch signals a strategic move to capitalize on nostalgia and the enduring popularity of their 2015 fight. Streaming on Netflix would expand access globally, tapping into the digital shift in sports entertainment. Pacquiao's recent performance, despite his age, demonstrates he still possesses competitive speed and skill, making the fight plausible. Mayweather's active exhibition schedule suggests he remains a marketable figure, and a rematch would likely generate significant revenue, rekindling a rivalry that defined a generation. This fight could also serve as a lucrative farewell for both fighters, leveraging their legacy to attract a broad audience. The negotiations reflect a broader trend of retired fighters returning for high-profile bouts, often driven by financial incentives and the desire to cement their legacies. If successful, this event will reshape the boxing landscape, blending nostalgia with modern streaming platforms, and could set a precedent for future exhibition-style rematches.
What the papers say
The articles from Arab News, Gulf News, and AP News collectively highlight the ongoing negotiations and the significance of the potential rematch. Arab News emphasizes Pacquiao's current negotiations and his recent fight, while Gulf News provides context on the history and the streaming plans, and AP News offers detailed background on the fighters' careers and the strategic implications. The convergence of these sources underscores the high interest and commercial potential of this bout, with some sources noting the historic significance of their first fight and the financial records it set. The coverage also reflects the broader trend of leveraging streaming platforms for major boxing events, aiming to reach a global audience and maximize revenue.
How we got here
Pacquiao returned from retirement in July 2025 after nearly four years away, fighting current WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios to a majority draw. He previously retired in 2021 with a record of 62-8-2. The 8-division champion has expressed interest in a rematch with Mayweather, who defeated him in 2015. Negotiations are ongoing, with potential plans for a fight in early 2026, possibly streamed on Netflix. Pacquiao's recent performance and his history of high-profile bouts have kept him in the spotlight, fueling speculation about a final chapter with Mayweather.
Go deeper
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Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao Sr. ( PAK-ee-ow; locally [ˈmanɪ pɐkˈjaʊ]; born December 17, 1978) is a Filipino professional boxer and retired politician. Nicknamed "PacMan", he is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional boxers of all time, be
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Mario Thomas Barrios is an American professional boxer who held the WBA super lightweight title from 2019 to June 2021. As of July 2021, he is ranked as the world's ninth best active super lightweight by The Ring.