Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao 2: The Rematch Preview
More than a decade after their first record-shattering encounter, two of boxing’s most iconic figures are set to do it all over again.
Their first meeting dubbed ‘Fight of the Century’, 11 years on the Floyd Mayweather (50-0, 27 KOs) and Manny Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) reunion has been christened simply ‘The Rematch’.
It is a contest that few saw coming but which the entire world will be watching.
As BetMGM’s spiritual home, Las Vegas, prepares to host another history-making night, we are delving into everything you need to know about this monumental showdown.
For the latest odds and to place your bets, visit our dedicated Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 betting page.
Where and when is the fight?
Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao 2 is scheduled to take place on Saturday 19th September 2026 – though it will be the small hours of Sunday 20th September for UK fight fans.
The venue for this colossal event is the state-of-the-art Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada. It will be the first professional boxing match at the arena.
How did this rematch come about?
This rematch materialised from a mixture of unfinished business and undeniable public fascination.
The first bout in 2015, while a financial triumph, left many fans and critics feeling short-changed on action.
It was a fight that many felt happened five or six years too late and now, 11 years later, we have a second chapter with both fighters pushing 50 and the broadcast rights belonging to streaming service Netflix after its entry into the live boxing landscape.
Mayweather officially retired in 2017 after defeating MMA legend Conor McGregor. Since then, he has remained in the public eye through a series of lucrative exhibition bouts against a variety of opponents from kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa to social media personalities such as Logan Paul and martial artist John Gotti III, grandson of the infamous mob boss.
The 49-year-old has also had well-publicised financial and legal complications in recent months, including a $340 million lawsuit against Showtime.
Pacquiao, a legendary eight-division world champion, also retired in 2021 after a loss to Yordenis Ugas.
However, the itch to compete never truly left. In 2025, the former Filipino senator made a sensational return to the ring at age 46, fighting Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title.
The bout was declared a majority draw but many ringside observers and fans believed Pacquiao had done enough to earn the victory, showing flashes of his vintage speed and power. Indeed only one ringside judge actually gave the bout to Barrios, the other two both scoring it 114-114.
That performance proved the fire still burned, paving the way for one more dance with his greatest rival.
What happened in their first fight?
Mayweather and Pacquiao’s first meeting on 2nd May 2015 was at the time the most lucrative fight in boxing history.
However, the contest itself was widely considered a disappointment. Mayweather, then 38, employed his usual masterful defensive strategy, using his famed shoulder roll, movement and sharp jab to frustrate the 36-year-old Pacquiao.
Mayweather controlled the pace and distance for most of the 12 rounds, landing the cleaner, more effective punches and neutralising Pacquiao's aggressive flurries.
While Pacquiao had moments of success, particularly in the fourth, he struggled to consistently penetrate Mayweather's defence as had so many before him and the CompuBox stats on the night recorded the American considerably outlanded Pac-Man in total punches, power punches and jabs.
The judges scored the bout a clear unanimous decision in Mayweather's favour (118-110, 116-112, 116-112), unifying the welterweight division and cementing his undefeated record.
After the fight it was revealed that Pacquiao had entered the contest with a pre-existing shoulder injury, which he said hampered his performance.
Tale of the Tape
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
- Record: 50-0 (27 KOs)
- Age: 49
- Stance: Orthodox
- Height: 5ft 8in
- Reach: 72”
- Last pro fight: 26th August 2017 (TKO win vs Conor McGregor)
MANNY PACQUIAO
- Record: 62-8-3 (39 KOs)
- Age: 47
- Stance: Southpaw
- Height: 5ft 5.5in
- Reach: 67in
- Last pro fight: 19th July 2025 (draw vs Mario Barrios)
Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 betting odds
As the fight approaches, you will find a full range of markets on the BetMGM UK boxing page.
The early fight odds reflect the history between the two, with Mayweather’s undefeated record and victory in the first fight making him the 12/25 favourite.
However, Pacquiao's impressive recent showing against a world champion in his prime suggests he cannot be underestimated and there could be value in backing Pac-Man at 9/5.
Our Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 tips
Analysing this fight presents a unique challenge.
Do you back the flawless record and defensive genius of Mayweather despite his relative inactivity or does the value lie with a seemingly rejuvenated Pacquiao, who arguably could have been entering this fight as a reigning world champion?
Mayweather's style is a puzzle few have come close to solving. His ability to control distance and land clean counter-punches without taking damage is legendary.
He has the height and reach advantage over Pacquiao and, even at 49, his famed ring intelligence will be his greatest asset.
For those who believe that class will prove permanent, backing Mayweather to win by decision carries considerable attraction.
However, Pacquiao's performance against Barrios last year simply cannot be ignored.
He showed he still possesses formidable hand speed – and his relentless appetite to apply pressure and trouble opponents appeared untouched by the rigours of age against Barrios.
Given that Mayweather has been on an exhibition tour and not in a truly competitive bout for nine years, there's a compelling case for Pacquiao being the sharper of the two. He is also, despite the miles on the clock accumulated over 73 fights, the younger man.
If that logic appeals, getting behind Pac-Man to win by KO, TKO or DQ could rate a standout bet come fight night.
For those looking for a winnerless play backing the fight to go the distance seems a solid proposition, allowing for the possibility of a close, contentious decision either way.
For more expert analysis and tips on all the biggest fights, be sure to check out the BetMGM boxing blog.
Odds and information correct at time of publication but subject to change