Floyd Mayweather Jr., 48, is set to officially come out of retirement to face long-time rival Manny Pacquiao in a blockbuster bout scheduled for Saturday, 19 September in Las Vegas.
The contest will take place at the Sphere, the state-of-the-art entertainment venue renowned for its immersive audio-visual technology, marking one of the most high-profile boxing events to be staged at the venue.
Mayweather, who retired with an unblemished professional record of 50–0, last fought professionally in 2017 when he defeated UFC star Conor McGregor. Since then, the American has participated in a series of exhibition contests across the globe. His return to the ring against Pacquiao rekindles one of boxing’s most storied rivalries.
Pacquiao, 47, the former eight-division world champion and ex-senator of the Philippines, has also been largely inactive in recent years, with his last professional outing coming in 2021. Widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of his generation, the southpaw remains a major draw in global boxing.
The pair previously met in May 2015 in what was billed as the “Fight of the Century” at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, with Mayweather claiming a unanimous decision victory. Their forthcoming encounter is expected to generate significant global interest, given their enduring rivalry and iconic status within the sport.
Further details regarding the fight format, including whether it will be contested as a sanctioned professional bout or exhibition, are yet to be officially confirmed.