Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2: 'Equal in decay' - Mayweather v Pacquiao is another boxing 'carnival'
BBC World
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are set to face off in a highly anticipated rematch on September 19, 2023, in Las Vegas. This fight, however, feels more like a spectacle than a serious boxing competition. Both fighters, nearing 50 years old, are past their prime, with Mayweather at 49 and Pacquiao at 47. The bout has been branded as a "carnival" event, driven by the desire for entertainment rather than竞技 (jìng jì) — competitive sports.
The fight is part of a growing trend in boxing where promoters focus on creating sensational matchups that generate revenue through streaming platforms like Netflix and pay-per-view. These events often involve fighters who are well past their peak, relying on their legendary status and name recognition to draw audiences. While Mayweather and Pacquiao are both considered legends of the sport, this fight is seen as more about nostalgia and spectacle than actual竞技 (jìng jì). Critics argue that such matches dilute the integrity of boxing and prioritize profit over athleticism.
The rematch comes five years after their first meeting in 2015, which was widely criticized for lacking excitement. Despite the lackluster performance then, the fight generated massive revenue, with ticket sales alone reaching $72 million. This time around, the event is being streamed on Netflix, which has popularized this type of "big-show" boxing. The platform's approach blends traditional sports broadcasting with entertainment elements, such as expert commentary and behind-the-scenes access, to attract a wider audience.
The fight also highlights the role of money in driving these matchups. Both Mayweather and Pacquiao are reportedly motivated by financial needs rather than竞技 (jìng jì) ambition. This has led some observers to question whether the sport is losing its focus on competitive excellence in favor of sensationalism. However, the rematch still holds significance as it revives one of boxing's most iconic rivalries. The event is expected to attract a global audience, with Netflix reaching over 200 million households and the fight taking place at the newly renovated Sphere in Las Vegas, which can hold up to 20,000 spectators.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/24/2026