Their first meeting in May 2015 was billed as the Fight of the Century. It generated over $400 million in revenue and reportedly sold 4.6 million pay-per-views. Mayweather won a clear unanimous decision by controlling distance and pace while Pacquiao struggled to sustain pressure.
More than a decade later, both men are deep into their forties. Mayweather is 49. Pacquiao is 47. Neither has competed at the elite championship level in years. Mayweather focused on exhibition appearances. Pacquiao last fought professionally in 2021, when he dropped a decision to Yordenis Ugas. That reality cannot be ignored.
The first fight was urgent, as it was intended to settle an argument at the height of both careers. This one doesn’t carry as much competitive weight. There are no belts on the line. There is no pound-for-pound debate to resolve. There is only the draw of two names that still attracts attention.
The Sphere element is not accidental. The venue’s immersive screen technology and theatrical scale shift the focus to presentation. Promoters understand that the environment itself can become part of the selling point. In that sense, the rematch is as much about performance as it is about strategy.
Fan reaction is likely to be divisive. Some will welcome a return to an era that delivered boxing’s last true crossover blockbuster. Others will question the value of revisiting a rivalry that has already produced a decisive result.
From a business perspective, the calculation is obvious. Mayweather remains one of the sport’s most reliable revenue drivers, and Pacquiao’s global profile continues to hold weight. Together they represent a proven commercial formula.
From a competitive perspective, it’s harder to argue that this fight had to happen.
September 19 in Las Vegas is now set for their second meeting, with further broadcast and undercard details expected in the coming weeks.
The first time it was about legacy. This time it seems to be about memory. Memory still sells.
