Some people thought a Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao rematch in 2026 was crazy but now it has got more real than ever.
Much more.
Mayweather is also linked to have an exhibition with one Mike Tyson in the same year.
Imagine that, two events for the money man against Pacquiao and Mike Tyson possible next year.
The Pacquiao rematch though would be a legit professional boxing match.
Here’s a look at the facts.
Ryan Garcia had repeatedly called for a “real fight” (not exhibition) with Manny Pacquiao as his dream matchup post-suspension.
Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao’s team viewed Garcia as a high-profile, money-making opponent for his 2025 pro return after exhibitions.
Early 2025 rumors positioned Garcia-Pacquiao as a leading candidate once Garcia’s comeback opponent was finalized.
Strongest Sign Yet Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 Will Happen
Announcing Garcia vs Romero (seen as a tune-up) locked Garcia into a different path, removing him as Pacquiao’s immediate option.
With Garcia occupied, Pacquiao lost one of his most marketable young opponents for a quick comeback fight.
Pacquiao (active and seeking big legacy fights) shifted focus to other legends like Floyd Mayweather for massive PPV appeal.
Mayweather had been doing exhibitions; a pro/official rematch with Pacquiao became a logical “bigger than Garcia” alternative.
The original 2015 Mayweather-Pacquiao fight generated over $400M; a rematch promised similar money without younger-fighter risk.
Clearing Garcia from Pacquiao’s schedule opened doors for direct Mayweather-Pacquiao negotiations (rumors heated up shortly after).
Both Mayweather (48) and Pacquiao (46) in 2025 wanted one last mega-fight; Garcia’s booking accelerated that timeline.
All in all, the rematch still makes a lot of money and more than anything, Pacquiao nearly beating Mario Barrios last year for the world title makes it genuinely compelling again.
Maybe some will think he can take Mayweather’s 0 after coming back to the sport and contending with 30 year old world champion Mario Barrios.
Maybe Mayweather wants to prove that the first fight was no fluke as well.
Pacquiao at any rate is already in training and getting in shape per here.
