By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Two living legends in the sport of boxing will be running it back this 2024 to settle some unfinished business.
Are you ready for the rematch between Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and Floyd “Pretty Boy” Mayweather Jr?
During a New Year’s Eve event at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan, Pacquiao already announced that he would be fighting the undefeated boxer for the second time in his career.
Together with RIZIN CEO Nobuyiki Sakakibara, Pacquiao confirmed the latest development and is hoping that thousands of Japanese will flock to the venue and witness the rematch between the two superstars.
“Thank you so much for inviting me here. I’m sorry for the last time that we promised that I’m going to fight this year. Next year, I hope to see you here in Japan,” Pacquiao said.
He continued: “A big fight against…….” He paused, looked at Sakakibara, and the Japanese CEO replied: “Floyd Mayweather.”
Last May 2, 2015, Pacquiao and Mayweather Jr. met inside the ring in what was tagged to be the “Fight of the Century”.
Mayweather Jr. cruised to a unanimous decision victory and neutralized Pacquiao’s speed advantage with his counter timings and off-the-distance jabs for 12 straight rounds.
Despite raking all the scorecards from the judges, the win was still hounded with controversies with some analysts saying that the American pug pulled off the win through running while hitting and was unfair to Pacquaio who was always pressing the action.
Now that they are set to meet again, Pacquiao will have the chance to avenge his loss and rewrite the boxing history books.
According to Bloody Elbow, the rematch will be fought under the exhibition rules since both fighters already retired from the sport.
RIZIN will then announce further details of the bout in the next months including the final date, venue, rules, and conditions.
