LAS VEGAS — After months of uncertainty, conflicting statements, and venue drama, the rematch between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao is officially back on.
According to Manny Pacquiao Promotions CEO Jas Mathur, Mayweather and Pacquiao have agreed to amended terms for an official professional fight that will stream live on Netflix on Friday, Sept. 25, at T-Mobile Arena.
The fight was initially announced in February for Sept. 19 at Sphere Las Vegas, but the event quickly became clouded by confusion. Mayweather later claimed the bout would be an exhibition and suggested the venue was still undecided.
However, documents reviewed by The Ring Magazine reportedly showed signed agreements identifying the matchup as a sanctioned professional fight rather than an exhibition. Now, the event has officially shifted to T-Mobile Arena and a new date.
Mayweather Will Risk His Perfect Record
Perhaps the biggest revelation: This fight will count professionally. That means Floyd Mayweather Jr. will put his undefeated 50-0 record on the line at 49 years old against Pacquiao 11 years after their first meeting shattered boxing revenue records.
Pacquiao made his stance clear earlier this year. “I wouldn’t fight an exhibition. It’s either a real fight or nothing.” Now, he’s getting exactly that.
Why the Venue Changed
According to Jas Mathur, the move away from Sphere ultimately came down to money. “We never wanted this at The Sphere,” Mathur said. “It didn’t make economic sense.”
Mathur added that Mayweather helped renegotiate the deal away from the original venue. “Bottom line, we’re making more money.”
Netflix Continues Boxing Push
The event further strengthens Netflix’s growing footprint in combat sports. The platform has increasingly targeted major boxing attractions, previously streaming events involving:
- Jake Paul
- Mike Tyson
- Anthony Joshua
- Katie Taylor
- Amanda Serrano
The announcement also comes amid financial issues surrounding Mayweather. According to reports, the IRS recently notified him of plans to revoke his passport over an alleged unpaid debt exceeding $7.25 million. Mayweather was in Las Vegas this week promoting an exhibition fight against Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis in Athens.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
