In a surprising turn of events, Manny Pacquiao has announced a highly anticipated rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr., set to take place in RIZIN in 2024. The revelation was made during RIZIN’s New Year’s Eve show, where Pacquiao took the stage to drop the bombshell, leaving fans in awe.
Despite both boxers being in their mid-40s and the first encounter being criticized for happening years too late, the prospect of Mayweather vs. Pacquiao 2 has sent ripples through the combat sports community. While the fight is rumored to be an exhibition, discussions are ongoing.
Pacquiao, with a record of 62-8-2 and 39 KOs, expressed eagerness to face not only Mayweather but also Gervonta Davis and Amir Khan in the past.
Floyd Mayweather Jr., boasting an undefeated record of 50-0 with 27 KOs, faces criticism for allowing the rematch to materialize eight years after their initial bout. Mayweather’s decision to let the rivalry ‘marinate’ has drawn scrutiny, especially considering the fighters’ current status and popularity.
While Mayweather is often praised for his strategic approach, waiting until Pacquiao faced consecutive losses to Tim Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez before their first encounter has raised eyebrows. Critics argue that had the bout occurred earlier, the pay-per-view revenue might have been even more astronomical than the 4.4 million purchases generated in their 2015 meeting.
Pacquiao’s confirmation of the exhibition match with Mayweather adds a new chapter to their storied rivalry, promising fans an intriguing spectacle in RIZIN in 2024. As details continue to unfold, the boxing world eagerly awaits this unexpected rematch between two legends of the sport. Stay tuned for more updates on this blockbuster announcement!