Manny Pacquiao announces 2024 rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr.
By Ryan General
January 2, 2024
Filipino boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao has revealed plans for a purported rematch with American rival Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2024.
Return of the Pacman: Pacquiao announced the upcoming bout during a special appearance at Rizin 45, a combat sporting event held by Rizin Fighting Federation, on Dec. 31, 2023, in Saitama, Japan. The 45-year-old boxer, who signed with Japanese promotion agency Rizin in April 2019, made the announcement alongside Rizin chief executive Nobuyuki Sakakibara.
What Pacquiao said: In a video posted on Rizin’s social media accounts, Sakakibara is shown asking Pacquiao if he would fight Mayweather. The former eight-weight boxing world champion responded with enthusiasm for the upcoming bout.
“Thank you so much for inviting me here again. I’m sorry for the last time, we meant to fight last year as Mr. Sakakibara explained. Next year I hope to see you here in Japan for a big fight against … Floyd Mayweather! I thought you wouldn’t want me to [announce] that. But I am excited for that.”
Mayweather stays mum: The specifics of the Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch remain uncertain, with no details released about negotiations or potential obstacles. Mayweather, 46, has yet to publicly acknowledge Pacquiao’s announcement.
About their first match: Mayweather and Pacquiao previously faced off in May 2015 in a historic bout labeled the “Fight of the Century.” Mayweather emerged victorious via unanimous decision, maintaining his flawless record. The event generated unprecedented revenues, making it the biggest pay-per-view in the history of combat sports.
Mayweather reportedly earned at least an estimated $240 million, while Pacquiao earned around $125 million in the historic bout. Pacquiao later revealed he entered the fight with a serious shoulder injury.
Out of retirement: While Mayweather and Pacquiao have officially retired from professional boxing, both have ventured into exhibition matches. Mayweather, with 10 exhibition fights under his belt, last competed on June 11, 2023, against John Gotti III. Pacquiao, on the other hand, participated in an exhibition bout against YouTuber DK Yoo in December 2022.
Pacquiao, who officially retired in September 2021 after a points defeat to Yordenis Ugas, is set to face Muay Thai and kickboxing legend Buakaw in Thailand on April 20.
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