Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Rematch at Risk
A potential rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather is facing serious obstacles, stemming from arena scheduling issues and disagreements over the fight's classification. The bout was planned for September 19, 2026, at the 18,000-seat Sphere venue in Las Vegas. However, the iconic rock band The Eagles have booked the same arena for a concert on those dates as part of their ongoing tour, creating a significant logistical hurdle.
Floyd Mayweather, who remains undefeated throughout his professional career, has expressed interest in making this an exhibition match. In contrast, Pacquiao's camp is pushing for the fight to be recognized as a professional bout, adding another layer of complexity to the negotiations. The two legendary boxers first faced off in 2015, with Mayweather winning by unanimous decision.
Future Fight Plans
Meanwhile, promoter Turki Alalshikh is working to arrange a heavyweight showdown between Oleksandr Usyk and David Benavidez, potentially taking place in 2027. Benavidez, who made his professional debut on August 17, 2013, boasts an undefeated record of 32 wins, 26 of which came by knockout. He recently captured two cruiserweight world titles by stopping Gilberto Ramirez.
Oleksandr Usyk is scheduled to fight on May 23, 2026, in Egypt against kickboxing world champion Rico Verhoeven. Dubbed 'King of Boxing vs. King of Kickboxing,' the event will be held near the historic pyramids on the Giza Plateau. Usyk will be defending his WBC and The Ring heavyweight titles in this matchup.
The uncertainty surrounding the Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch highlights the challenges that can arise when coordinating major sporting events, especially when competing attractions are booked for the same dates. This could dampen fan interest and complicate financial arrangements for the organizers. At the same time, the announced fights involving Usyk and Benavidez have the potential to become landmark events in the boxing world—provided they come to fruition as scheduled. These bouts could draw significant attention from fans and intensify competition in the heavyweight division, ultimately boosting the sport's overall popularity.
The ongoing complications surrounding the Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch are reminiscent of the challenges faced in arranging other high-profile bouts. For instance, promoter Turki Alalshikh is currently strategizing a significant heavyweight clash between Oleksandr Usyk and David Benavidez, aimed for 2027. This matchup, alongside the upcoming fight for Usyk against Rico Verhoeven, underscores the intricate planning required in the boxing world. To learn more about Usyk's future plans and the potential showdown with Benavidez, check out the details here.