Manny Pacquiao has confirmed that he is in talks about possibly facing Floyd Mayweather again, more than a decade after their long-awaited “Fight of the Century” in 2015. The Filipino icon says a second showdown could happen as soon as early 2026, depending on how negotiations unfold.
Although both fighters officially stepped away from the sport, retirement has never kept either legend far from the spotlight. Mayweather has spent recent years competing in exhibition bouts, while Pacquiao returned to the professional ring in July 2025, just weeks after being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Pacquiao’s career has seen him conquer eight weight divisions while earning a reputation for taking on the toughest challenges available. He first retired in 2021 with a record of 62 wins, eight losses, and two draws, including 39 knockouts. But even at 46, he remains hungry for one more defining moment.
A rematch with Mayweather, he admits, would be a fight he welcomes with open arms.
“I really want that second fight with Floyd Mayweather,” Pacquiao said. “We are trying to finalize everything so that we can both agree on a date and a place. Hopefully we settle negotiations properly.”
The first bout between the two came in May 2015 for the unified welterweight titles. Mayweather won by unanimous decision, staying undefeated before retiring in 2017. Pacquiao later revealed he fought through a damaged right shoulder that night, insisting fans never got to see him at full strength.
After returning to the ring this year, Pacquiao nearly claimed another world title but had to settle for a majority draw against Mario Barrios, who retained the WBC welterweight championship in Las Vegas.
Away from the negotiations and comeback spotlight, Pacquiao is also shifting attention to his son Jimuel, who is preparing to make his professional boxing debut on November 29 in California.
“I’m excited, but I’m also worried,” Pacquiao admitted. “He started boxing later than most, but he loves it. I’ll be supporting him and praying for a safe fight.”
Whether the world will once again witness Pacquiao and Mayweather share a ring remains undecided — but after all these years, the possibility alone has reignited global boxing buzz.
