Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are fighting: Is this 2011? - ESPN

ESPN

by Dan Wetzel

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, two of boxing's most iconic figures, are set to reunite in a highly anticipated rematch on September 19, 2026, in Las Vegas. However, this fight feels more like a cash grab than a historic sequel. Both fighters, now aged 49 and 47 respectively, have careers filled with accolades, yet they appear to be fighting less out of passion and more due to financial needs. The rematch, announced after years of speculation and missed opportunities, is being criticized as a nostalgia-driven spectacle that lacks the urgency and excitement of their primes. The original fight in 2015 was supposed to be a defining moment in boxing history, but it largely disappointed fans. Pacquiao had already begun to decline, and the bout itself was lackluster despite breaking box office records. The rematch now seems like a missed opportunity to create meaningful content, especially with the time that has passed since their primes. Instead, it feels like an obligatory follow-up to a story that should have been written differently. The state of boxing is also under scrutiny in this article. While Mayweather and Pacquiao's careers have been lucrative, the sport as a whole struggles to produce breakout stars and compelling matchups. Prominent fighters like Oleksandr Usyk and Naoya Inoue operate mostly outside the U.S., limiting their global appeal. Meanwhile, figures like Jake Paul have capitalized on the demand for high-profile fights, even if they lack the skill or legitimacy of traditional boxing champions. This rematch highlights a deeper issue in boxing: its reliance on aging stars and nostalgia-driven matchups rather than fostering new talent. The sport's decline in popularity is evident as fan interest wanes, and promoters scramble to create spectacle over substance. While Mayweather and Pacquiao deserve recognition for their careers, this fight feels like an unnecessary indulgence, leaving fans wondering what could have been if the timing had

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/25/2026