Licensing reviews are routine when a retired boxer tries to make a comeback, especially when age and inactivity are involved. Athletic commissions usually require medical examinations and may also review training activity before approving a license.
People familiar with Mayweather’s plans told BoxingScene that the process is expected to proceed without major complications because the former five-division champion remains active in the gym despite focusing on exhibitions in recent years. Athletic commissions still require full medical clearance when a retired boxer attempts to return, especially after several years away from sanctioned competition.
Mayweather has competed in several exhibition bouts around the world since his retirement with a perfect 50-0 professional record. Those appearances kept him active in the public eye, but did not require the same regulatory oversight as a sanctioned professional fight. A rematch against Pacquiao would put him back under full commission supervision.
Pacquiao has already returned to sanctioned competition. The Filipino veteran fought Mario Barrios to a draw in a welterweight title fight last year, showing that he was willing to risk his official record again after several years of exhibition activity.
The new bout was promoted as a follow-up to their 2015 fight, which produced one of the richest events in boxing history. Unlike many veteran exhibitions in recent years, both fighters have indicated that the rematch will count on their professional records.
Pacquiao previously clarified that he rejected an earlier suggestion that the contest be held under exhibition rules.
“Before, he wanted an exhibition fight against me, but I didn’t agree,” Pacquiao said. “I want to fight a real battle, so this is it.”
Commission approval remains the step that determines whether the event becomes a reality. Announcing a fight is easy in boxing, but regulators have yet to decide whether a 49-year-old former champion can return to professional competition.
