Venue Unclear as Mayweather Labels Pacquiao Rematch ‘Exhibition Show’

Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. has confirmed that his highly anticipated rematch with Manny Pacquiao will be an exhibition bout, with the venue for the clash yet to be finalized.

Speaking in a recent interview, Mayweather clarified that the proposed September 2026 showdown will not be an official professional contest but rather an entertainment-focused exhibition. He emphasized that the aim is to “entertain the people,” noting that in such a format, “we’re both winners.”

The fight had initially been linked to the state-of-the-art Sphere arena in Las Vegas, but Mayweather revealed that no final decision has been made regarding the location. He added that while the venue remains under discussion, multiple options are still being considered.

The announcement introduces a twist to what was earlier promoted as a potentially historic professional rematch between the two boxing icons. Their first encounter in 2015; widely dubbed the “Fight of the Century” ended in a unanimous decision victory for Mayweather and generated record-breaking revenue globally.

Now aged 49, Mayweather has remained undefeated in his professional career with a 50-0 record, though he has participated in several exhibition bouts since retiring in 2017. Pacquiao, 47, a former eight-division world champion, has also stayed active through exhibitions and occasional returns to competitive boxing.

The rematch is expected to draw massive global attention regardless of its exhibition status, especially with reports indicating it could be streamed worldwide, further boosting its commercial appeal.

However, the nature of the fight has sparked mixed reactions within the boxing community, with some fans and analysts questioning its competitive value while others see it as a nostalgic spectacle between two of the sport’s greatest names.