Despite Being Almost a Decade Late, Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao Rematch Still Has the Potential to Break PPV Records

$99 PPV price and over $400 million in domestic revenue. Those are the record-shattering numbers from Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao. In 2015, both decided to give fans the fight they wanted and later reap the benefits of it. The clock has moved on for almost a decade since then, and now there are surging rumors of them turning back the clock. The revenue records will be broken once again if they decide to meet in a rematch this year.

The fans have long demanded a rematch of their 2015 showdown, which ‘Money’ won by a decision. ‘PacMan’ recently gave traction to their supposed rematch when he appeared at the RIZIN event on New Year’s Eve. While many believe the rematch should have happened back in 2015, these two stars have continued to capture fans’ imaginations. In addition, it makes sense for both boxers in their 40s to announce a fight now, as Japan is ready to pour in some money.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather: star power and the money pull

The fans want the fight. They have long wanted a rematch, with its flair and dazzle, since the first encounter. A clash between two modern greats and former champions is a mouth-watering contest. Besides, if Japanese promoters are ready to put their money into the fight, the chances of the fight will shoot up.

Both Floyd Mayweather, 46, and Manny Pacquiao, 45, are contemporaries and have kept themselves in peak fitness shape. They still hold the star power to headline events and garner large crowds. Both are must-see fighters.

Modern boxing plagues with the best fighters actively dodging fights with other star boxers. The super fights have become an unusual event, as the best boxers tend not to fight with the best. Therefore, if the fans are afforded a fight of such magnitude, it will pile up money, and fans will tune in to watch. However, they might have to make it a professional PPV fight.

Shedding the exhibition tag

Floyd Mayweather, at 50-0, and Manny Pacquiao, at 62-8-2, need to ensure they don’t offer fans an exhibition fight. Fighters in exhibition fights agree to take it easy, not put power behind those punches, and play around with their prey to put on a show for the fans.

That need not be done when the American and Filipino fighters clash for a second time. The exhibition fights fail to give fans a taste of a real boxing fight and may be brushed aside as glorified sparring sessions. A professional fight with no stipulations or clauses and with Mayweather’s undefeated record on the line, along with the theme of vengeance, will surely hit home with the fans.

Notably, Mayweather has put on seven exhibition matches since retiring in 2018, and Pacquiao recently returned to the fold. A rematch will keep both relevant to the boxing world as Mayweather continues to accept exhibition fights. Meanwhile, it might push Pacquiao’s Paris Olympic dream. Also, a rematch between them might be closer and more competitive than what fans witnessed in 2015.

Nothing like Canelo Álvarez vs. Gennady Golovkin

When Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao exchanged blows in the boxing ring, ‘Pretty Boy’ handled his opponent with ease. However, the dynamics have changed. Neither will it be a repeat of their previous bout nor a replication of Canelo Álvarez‘s victory against a diminished and way beyond his prime, Gennady Golovkin. This time, Mayweather and Pacquiao will meet as equals. 

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Both have aged and no longer have aces in their arsenals. Mayweather’s once-coveted vaunted defense is shaky now, and Pacquiao’s speed and explosiveness are a thing of the past. The first fight favored Mayweather, as Pacquiao’s weapons had already gone to shatters, and he toyed with him due to a reported broken shoulder. But it will be interesting to witness how both will hold their ground if they ever meet again.

While the hypothetical fight between two boxing greats is a guaranteed PPV blockbuster, the fight has yet to be officially announced. There is no official word from Mayweather’s team or himself. But if Mayweather vs. Pacquiao II gets a date next year, it will surely break some PPV records.

What do you think of the probable fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather? Let us know in the comments below.

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