Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are set to reignite their legendary rivalry on September 19 in Las Vegas, where they will face off in a highly anticipated rematch. This follows their initial encounter in 2015, which, despite being dubbed one of the most significant matches in boxing history, was widely criticized for its lack of excitement, with both fighters well past their prime.
As they prepare for the upcoming fight, Mayweather will be 49 years old and Pacquiao 47. Mayweather’s last bout, an exhibition against UFC star Conor McGregor in 2017, showcased his continued brilliance, though many regard it as a less competitive situation. Meanwhile, Pacquiao’s last appearance was a bid for the WBC welterweight title last year, but it was evident that he has not maintained the dominance he once had in the ring.
Both fighters have enthusiastically promoted the rematch. Pacquiao expressed his excitement, stating, “Floyd and I gave the world what remains the biggest fight in boxing history. The fans have waited long enough – they deserve this rematch, and it will be even bigger now that it will be streamed live globally on Netflix.” He aims to be the one to inflict Mayweather’s only professional defeat, dedicating his fight to his fellow Filipinos.
In contrast, Mayweather took a more straightforward approach, confidently asserting that his previous victory over Pacquiao will be mirrored in their next bout. “I already fought and beat Manny once. This time will be the same result,” he remarked.
Regardless of the bout’s competitiveness, both fighters are poised to make significant financial gains, potentially racking up tens of millions of dollars. Pacquiao, revered in the Philippines as a national hero, and Mayweather, known for his skill and marketable persona, continue to draw significant attention.
Netflix’s foray into live sports has proven successful, having previously attracted over 108 million global viewers for the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson event, making it the most-streamed sports event in history. Furthermore, Netflix has ventured into broadcasting NFL games and various live events, signaling a growing interest in delivering high-profile sports content to its audience.
The upcoming rematch between Mayweather and Pacquiao not only stirs excitement in the boxing world but also marks a pivotal moment for Netflix as it continues expanding its live sports offerings, promising a thrilling experience for fans around the globe.