Manny Pacquiao says the upcoming September 18 rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jnr represents his long-awaited chance to set the record straight. Speaking from the Philippines after learning Netflix had formally announced the bout at the Sphere in Las Vegas, the 47-year-old made his intentions clear.
“I’m very excited for the rematch. This is my moment to prove it,” Pacquiao said, expressing confidence that he can deliver Mayweather his first professional defeat. The fight is scheduled for 12 rounds and will mark their second meeting after Mayweather’s unanimous decision victory in 2015.
Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) believes key differences separate this bout from the first. He fought through a torn right rotator cuff in 2015, an injury that required post-fight surgery. Now healthy, and fresh off a majority draw with WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in July following a rigorous camp, Pacquiao says he can adjust tactically. “I know I can improve my strategy this time,” he said.
The Filipino icon also framed the rematch as part of a broader legacy debate. An eight-division champion who has fought for world titles across four decades, Pacquiao questioned Mayweather’s claim to being the greatest of all time. “He’s not the only one to retire undefeated,” Pacquiao said, adding that his own achievements - including titles from flyweight in 1998 to junior-middleweight and a welterweight belt in 2019 - are unmatched.
Still, Pacquiao acknowledged that both men competing at this stage of their careers complicates any definitive GOAT discussion. “Whatever happens in this fight will happen, but based upon our accomplishments,” he said. “At the end of the day, I’ve learned fame and our position are only temporary. We are here to help others.”
Image Credit: PBC