Star promoter Eddie Hearn doubts Mayweather–Pacquiao rematch will happen

Boxing fans worldwide are once again buzzing with anticipation as talks intensifies over a potential rematch between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao—nearly a decade after their blockbuster first encounter. The proposed bout, described as an exhibition-style event with global appeal, is already being framed as one of the most high-profile spectacles in recent boxing history.

Reports circulating across social media, including announcements attributed to Netflix, suggest that the two icons are targeting a September 19 showdown in Las Vegas (September 20 in the Philippines). The fight is said to be planned for the cutting-edge Sphere, a venue known for its immersive technology and futuristic design. If finalized, the event would mark the first professional boxing match to be staged at the Sphere, adding another layer of intrigue to an already headline-grabbing matchup.

Netflix, which has been expanding its footprint in live sports entertainment, reportedly confirmed the development via its official social media channels, positioning the bout as a landmark moment that brings together two of boxing’s most recognizable figures. The announcement quickly ignited global debate, with fans and analysts revisiting the legacy of one of the sport’s most lucrative—and polarizing—rivalries.

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However, not everyone is convinced the fight will materialize. Prominent boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, chairman of Matchroom Boxing, expressed skepticism regarding both the organization and viability of the proposed event.

“The whole thing is a mess. I’m surprised that Netflix got involved in the whole circus of it. Netflix are new into boxing but they have got to be a bit more solid in a routine, because you can’t really announce a fight and it just falls by the wayside, it just doesn’t look great,” Hearn said in an interview with FightHype.

Eddie Hearn BOMBSHELL: Netflix REPLACING Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 with Garcia vs Benn #boxing pic.twitter.com/76Wf1qjKOA

— SYED SALMAN (@salmantheboxing) April 29, 2026

“No I don’t believe it will happen, not now. Netflix are only going to do so many fights, and the word is that they are doing Benn-Garcia now on September 12 or whenever that is going to be, so that’s obviously the fight that is replacing Mayweather-Pacquiao.

“If Mayweather-Pacquiao happened, they are committed to that fight, but if it doesn’t happen, they are going to want another fight to slot in there, and by the sounds of that it’s Garcia against Benn,” he concluded.

Hearn’s comments come amid reports of an alternative high-stakes matchup, with rising British contender Conor Benn potentially facing Ryan Garcia, the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) champion, in a welterweight title clash. That fight is rumored to be under consideration as part of Netflix’s growing involvement in boxing events.

The mere possibility of a Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch inevitably draws comparisons to their original 2015 meeting at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, also in Las Vegas. Dubbed the “Fight of the Century,” the bout was years in the making and ultimately saw Mayweather secure a unanimous decision victory, maintaining his undefeated record. While the event shattered pay-per-view records and generated unprecedented revenue, it also divided fans, with some criticizing the fight for not delivering the action expected from its enormous buildup.

Now, with both fighters long past their prime but still commanding massive global followings, a rematch—whether competitive or exhibition—would once again capture the attention of the sporting world. Still, with conflicting reports, competing fight plans, and logistical uncertainties, the situation remains fluid.

For now, the boxing community watches closely as developments unfold, aware that in a sport where negotiations can shift rapidly, nothing is official until both fighters step into the ring.

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