The excitement is building up in the boxing world as we get closer to the day these two legends trade punches once again
Kicking off the New Year with a surprising announcement, Manny Pacquiao and RIZIN Fighting Federation head Nobuyiki Sakakibara shook things up at the Saitama Super Arena on New Year’s Eve. The headline? A rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2024. The Filipino boxer, who remained ring-silent in 2023 after inking a contract with RIZIN, started to express an apology for being unable to fulfill his promise of a fight last year. He went on to reveal that the much-anticipated bout against the American boxer is set to go down in Japan this 2024.
As we await word from Mayweather on the upcoming fight, it’s worth remembering his forays into the RIZIN ring. He first fought Tenshin Nasukawa, a renowned kickboxer, at RIZIN 14 in 2018, then Mikuru Asukura at Super RIZIN 1 in 2022. Considering Mayweather’s history with the organization, this potential sequel is shaping up to be quite the venture. Here are a few reasons why the rematch buzz has got us on the edge of our seats:
Settling the score
Reflecting on Mayweather’s win against Pacquiao, the aftermath was far from calm. Whether it’s Mayweather getting flak for getting an intravenous vitamin injection before the fight or Pacquiao’s shoulder injury, the Las Vegas event in 2015 left many skeptical. While statistics back the American boxer’s win, the boxing world isn’t unanimous. Now, with the potential rematch on the horizon, could this finally be the showdown that settles the score? Could this be the knockout moment we’ve been waiting for?
Pacquiao’s powerplay
There is no doubt about it: Manny Pacquiao stands tall as one of the all-time greats in the boxing arena. Bagging an impressive 12 world titles and holding the distinction of being an octuple champion, this Filipino athlete is an ultimate force to be reckoned with. Trailblazing his way to the top, Pacquiao secured the lineal championship in five different weight classes, a feat no other boxer has matched. Not stopping there, he dominated in four of the original eight major weight classes, earning his stripes as a four-decade world champion. Beyond the ring, Pacquiao showcased his versatility as a player-coach in the Philippine Basketball Association and founded the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League. Venturing into politics, he served as a senator and even put his name forward for the 2022 presidential elections. With the prospect of a comeback, we are excited to witness Pacquiao’s enduring skill, speed, and grit in the ring that made him a legend.
Mayweather’s defense
With an unscathed record of 50 wins and 0 losses, Floyd Mayweather Jr. reigns supreme in the professional boxing realm. Despite his fair share of controversies, Mayweather’s skills and strength cement his status as a true powerhouse in sports history. Now, the excitement surges as the undefeated champion braces himself to protect his legacy against the Filipino boxer. Will Mayweather preserve his spotless record or is Pacquiao poised to be the one to finally break his streak this time around?
Legacy on the line
Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have undeniably etched their names into boxing history, with careers that are nothing short of legendary. Since hanging up their gloves in 2021 and 2017, respectively, both fighters have dipped their toes into exhibition bouts. Exiting the ring with a 62-8-2 record in 2021, Pacquiao made a lasting impression, while Mayweather retired with an unblemished record in 2017. Clearly, the potential rematch isn’t just about settling scores; it’s a chance for these two legends to solidify their legacies and put an end to any lingering debates on who truly reigns as the greatest boxer of their generation.
Breaking records again
The initial clash between Pacquiao and Mayweather gripped the globe, smashing pay-per-view records with a whopping 4.6 million buys. It swiftly established a spot among the top-tier boxing matchups of all time, second to the iconic bouts of Muhammad Ali against George Foreman and Joe Frazier (I, II). Now, with talks of a rematch in the air, we must certainly prepare ourselves for another international spectacle that takes the sport to new heights.
Featured Image: RIZIN PR (via Instagram)
Photos: RIZIN PR, FLOYD MAYWEATHER, and ERISTHEO RAIF (via Instagram)
