Manny Pacquiao teases possible Floyd Mayweather rematch

Boxing fans could soon witness one of the sport’s greatest rivalries reignited. Manny Pacquiao has hinted that a long-awaited rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. could happen as early as next year, nearly a decade after their first encounter that captivated the world.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the Filipino legend confirmed that discussions are taking place. “Right now we have a lot of negotiations about my next fight, there’s a possible rematch with Floyd Mayweather,” Pacquiao said. “There’s a lot of ongoing negotiations right now, so it’s hard to plan what fight I’m going to post. I’m waiting for the final negotiation.”

If confirmed, the fight would mark Pacquiao’s first major return since coming out of retirement earlier this year.

A Hall of Fame Career that refuses to end

The 46-year-old was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame earlier this year, but his passion for competition hasn’t faded. In July, Pacquiao made an unexpected return to the ring, narrowly missing out on reclaiming the WBC welterweight title after a hard-fought draw with Mario Barrios.

Related: Pacquiao's comeback ends in draw as Barrios retains WBC Welterweight title

Pacquiao originally retired in 2021 with a record of 62 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws, including 39 knockouts. The only eight-division world champion in boxing history, he earned global respect for taking on every top contender of his era and fighting with relentless determination.

Revisiting “The Fight of the Century”

Pacquiao’s first meeting with Floyd Mayweather in 2015 was billed as “The Fight of the Century” and generated more than $400 million in pay-per-view sales. The bout was won by Mayweather via unanimous decision, though Pacquiao later revealed that a shoulder injury had limited his movement throughout the fight.

“I’d love to have another fight, a rematch with Floyd Mayweather,” Pacquiao said. “I hope that in the negotiations, we can understand each other and make it happen.”

Mayweather’s packed schedule for 2026

If negotiations go through, 2026 could be a blockbuster year for Mayweather as well. The undefeated 50–0 boxing icon is already linked to a separate exhibition match against Mike Tyson, according to a statement released by CSI Sports last month.

While that fight has no confirmed date or venue yet, it signals that Mayweather remains active in the sport, and a rematch with Pacquiao would instantly become one of the most talked-about events in modern boxing.

Pacquiao’s focus shifts to his son’s Pro debut

While fans wait for news on the rematch, Pacquiao’s attention is also on his son, Jimuel Pacquiao, who is set to make his professional boxing debut on November 29 in California against American fighter Brendan Lally.

“I’m excited, but I’m worried about my son,” Pacquiao admitted. “He started late … but that is his passion, so I will support him. I’m praying for him to have a safe fight.”

Jimuel has been training in the U.S. for months and carries the pressure of being the son of a global icon. His debut will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the Pacquiao family’s boxing legacy.

Whether or not the Mayweather rematch materializes, Pacquiao’s legacy is already sealed. He remains one of the most beloved and accomplished fighters in boxing history — a symbol of perseverance, humility, and national pride.

Still, the idea of Pacquiao vs. Mayweather II is enough to electrify the sport once again. For fans who witnessed their 2015 showdown, another meeting between these two legends would be a rare gift — one final reminder of what made boxing’s golden era so unforgettable.