“He is a self-proclaimed GOAT”: Manny Pacquiao says he has a better legacy than Floyd Mayweather

Boxing fans around the world are once again turning their attention to a rivalry that defined an era, as reports continue to build around a potential rematch between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao nearly a decade after their historic first meeting.

Multiple announcements circulating online—some attributed to Netflix—indicate that the two legends are set to face off on September 19 in Las Vegas (September 20 in the Philippines), with the bout reportedly scheduled at the cutting-edge Sphere. If confirmed, the event would mark the first professional boxing match to be staged at the venue, adding another layer of intrigue to an already headline-grabbing spectacle.

The streaming giant is also expected to carry the fight exclusively worldwide, signaling a continued push into live sports programming. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Netflix described the potential clash as a landmark moment for boxing—bringing together two of the most recognizable figures of the modern era on an unprecedented stage.

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The announcement has quickly reignited global interest, reviving memories of their long-awaited 2015 showdown at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Billed as the “Fight of the Century,” that bout saw Mayweather secure a unanimous decision victory, maintaining his undefeated record while capturing the WBA (Super), WBC, and The Ring welterweight titles. Despite breaking pay-per-view records and generating massive revenue, the fight drew mixed reactions, with some fans feeling it fell short of expectations inside the ring.

Manny Pacquiao builds his Mount Rushmore of boxing 🥊 pic.twitter.com/t7Haw1fKwp

— InsideRingShow (@InsideRingShow) April 19, 2026

Since then, both fighters have further cemented their legacies. Mayweather retired from professional boxing in 2017 with a flawless 50–0 record, widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive tacticians in the sport’s history. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he captured 15 major world titles across five weight divisions, from super featherweight to light middleweight, and added an Olympic bronze medal from the 1996 Atlanta Games to his résumé.

Pacquiao, on the other hand, built one of the most unique and decorated careers the sport has ever seen. The Filipino icon remains the only boxer in history to win world championships in eight different weight divisions, a feat that underscores both his versatility and longevity. Known for his explosive southpaw style and relentless pace, Pacquiao has consistently competed at the highest level across multiple eras, further enhancing his standing among boxing’s all-time greats.

In the lead-up to the reported rematch, Pacquiao has already added fuel to the narrative by weighing in on the ongoing debate surrounding boxing’s greatest of all time. Speaking on “Inside the Ring,” the 47-year-old did not hold back when discussing Mayweather’s legacy.

“He is a self-proclaimed GOAT. He cannot claim that he is the only undefeated fighter who retired. There’s at least more than 15 fighters that retired undefeated. But I can claim that I’m the only eight-division world champion in history. And I’m the only fighter that became a world champion in four different decades,” Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao’s credentials remain unparalleled in several respects. He is the only fighter to hold world titles across four decades—the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s—and, in July 2019, became the oldest welterweight world champion in history at age 40. He also stands as the first boxer to achieve recognized four-time welterweight champion status, further highlighting the breadth of his accomplishments.

As anticipation continues to grow, the prospect of a Mayweather–Pacquiao rematch—regardless of whether it takes the form of an exhibition or official contest—has already succeeded in reigniting debate about legacy, longevity, and greatness. While it remains to be seen whether a second meeting can replicate the global impact of their first encounter, one thing is certain: the rivalry between Mayweather and Pacquiao still holds a powerful grip on the boxing world.

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