Mayweather vs. Pacquiao 2: A Rematch Too Late

In an electrifying reveal at RIZIN 45, Manny Pacquiao confirmed his return to the ring to face Floyd Mayweather in a rematch slated for 2024 which has reignited a longstanding debate: Is this rematch happening too late for fans to truly appreciate it just like their first fight?

After their first fight in 2015, which many believed occurred years later than it should have, the boxing community is now left pondering the relevance and excitement of a second face-off between two of the sport’s biggest names.

The Timing Debate: Too Late for a Rematch?

When Mayweather and Pacquiao first squared off, a common sentiment was that the fight happened years beyond its optimal timing. Nearly a decade later, the pair are set to meet again. This raises the question: Do boxing fans really want to see a rematch now that both fighters are even older, or is this an attempt to recapture a moment that has long passed?

The Nature of the Fight: Exhibition or Competitive Boxing?

Another crucial aspect surrounding the rematch is its nature. Will it be an official boxing match or an exhibition? Given their ages — Mayweather at 46 and Pacquiao at 45 — and their status as retired professionals, the likelihood leans towards an exhibition bout. While exhibition matches may lack the competitive edge of professional bouts, they often serve as a platform for legendary fighters to showcase their skills without the pressure of official rankings. The rematch will likely be an exhibition under the RIZIN banner

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao 2 Expectations

The interest in this rematch lies in a mix of nostalgia and curiosity. While some fans are excited to see these icons in the ring again, others are sceptical about the quality and intensity of the fight especially after their first fight was seen as highly underwhelming.

The challenge for Mayweather and Pacquiao is to prove that their bout is more than just a trip down memory lane, offering genuine entertainment value. The thought on most boxing fans’ minds will be that this is a clinch to hold on to relevance within the sport, and a ‘bit of a money grab’.

The Mayweather vs. Pacquiao rematch in 2024 is enveloped in a mix of excitement and scepticism. It stands as a test of time, questioning whether the magic of boxing can truly be revisited or if some chapters are better left closed. As the fight approaches, the boxing world waits with bated breath to see if this rematch can live up to its monumental expectations or if it will be remembered as a late encore to an already concluded saga.

Follow NoSmokeSport on X