Home » Manny Pacquiao Announces Anticipated “Pacquiao vs. Mayweather Rematch” in Japan

Manny Pacquiao Announces Anticipated “Pacquiao vs. Mayweather Rematch” in Japan

Manny Pacquiao, 45, made a surprising announcement regarding a potential Pacquiao vs. Mayweather rematch. This revelation comes nearly a decade after their initial record-breaking bout, which generated a staggering £500 million and set a record with 4.6 million pay-per-view sales in the United States.

In 2015, Floyd Mayweather, now 46, ended years of speculation by convincingly defeating Pacquiao by points. Since that significant loss, Pacquiao has persistently campaigned for a rematch, attributing his defeat to a shoulder injury. His wish might finally come true, as he hinted at the rematch during an event in Saitama, Japan.

While addressing the audience, Pacquiao stated, “I hope to see you here in Japan again with a big fight against…” before pausing. The Japanese MMA promotion RIZIN president, Nobuyuki Sakakibara, interjected, saying, “Floyd Mayweather.” Pacquiao confirmed, “Floyd Mayweather, yeah. I thought that you didn’t want me to say that. But I am excited about that.”

CEO Sakakibara: "Could you please fight against Floyd Mayweather?"

Manny Pacquiao: "I'm ready."

📡 Watch on @FITEtv !🔻https://t.co/eEpfmslhPp pic.twitter.com/gwod6x8wKm

— RIZIN FF English (@rizin_English) December 31, 2023

Mayweather continued to box twice after defeating Pacquiao, faced Andre Berto, and briefly retired for two years. He then returned to the ring to take on UFC superstar Conor McGregor, winning in ten rounds. Since then, Mayweather, now 46, has not competed professionally but has engaged in exhibition bouts across various disciplines, including MMA, martial arts, YouTube, and crossover boxing.

Mayweather participated in an exhibition against John Gotti’s grandson, a notable MMA fighter and boxer, in June. The bout ended with Gotti III’s disqualification in round six, and a rematch is scheduled for February. On the other hand, Pacquiao retired in 2021 following a points defeat to Yordenis Ugas. Despite a failed presidential campaign in the Philippines, the eight-division champion has teased a boxing comeback.

Pacquiao had an exhibition match against Korean martial arts influencer DK Yoo in December and is set to return in a similar bout against Muay Thai icon Buakaw Banchamek on April 20. While talks for a Rizin card appearance last year fell through, Pacquiao and Mayweather have previously fought for the MMA promotion. Rizin expressed its intent to host a rematch between the two boxing legends in the past.