A Manny Pacquiao victory over WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios could finally lure Floyd Mayweather out of retirement for a long-awaited rematch.
Almost a decade after their 2015 clash, which shattered all financial records in boxing history, Mayweather holds the key to a mega-offer that could lead to a reunion for both fighters with Al Haymon.
With Pacquiao’s clash against Barrios serving as the biggest threat to the 29-year-old champion’s reign, and a statement Pacquiao could make this late in his career, the eight-weight legend is quietly confident a win would spark renewed talks with the Mayweather camp.
World Boxing News can also reveal that Netflix is interested in broadcasting the event once the plans begin to take shape.
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The Biggest Rematch in Boxing History
Pacquiao is open to a second fight after losing to a shoulder injury in the initial bout, which Mayweather won at a canter.
Speaking previously to WBN in an exclusive interview, Pacquiao made it clear that another showdown with his career rival remains high on his agenda.
“Absolutely, I would want the rematch! I hope Mayweather comes out of retirement and we can fight again,” Pacquiao told WBN.
Now 46, the Filipino icon is preparing for a high-stakes return against Barrios this Saturday, July 19, in Las Vegas.
Should he claim the green and gold belt, Pacquiao’s already remarkable resume would gain another defining chapter, which WBN believes may be too significant for Mayweather to ignore.
Mayweather, who has remained active in exhibitions but insists his professional boxing career is over, last fought Pacquiao in a record-breaking 2015 bout dubbed the “Fight of the Century.”
Despite the unanimous decision victory, calls for a rematch never truly died, mainly from Pacquiao’s side.
Saudi Arabian interest in Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2
It was reported in 2020 that Saudi Arabia had a firm interest in ‘MayPac 2’. This scenario remains the case in 2025.
Turki Alalshikh could attempt to lure Mayweather vs Pacquiao II away from Haymon’s grasp and already has a headstart due to ties with Netflix.
The streaming service will broadcast Canelo Álvarez vs Terence Crawford in September, organized by Dana White in conjunction with Riyadh Season.
It’s now up to Pacquiao to secure a bidding war, which could lead to the pair finally fighting again.
As he heads into another pay-per-view main event at the MGM Grand, the same venue that hosted their original encounter, Pacquiao is not only fighting for another world title.
The Barrios event represents something far more significant as the Philippines’ finest bids to rewrite the final chapter of one of boxing’s greatest rivalries.
