Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
By Matt Moscona
More than a decade after their long-awaited super fight finally materialized, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are set to meet again. The rematch is scheduled for Sept. 19 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, with the bout airing live on Netflix, bringing one of boxing’s most iconic rivalries to a new era and a new audience.
When they first squared off in 2015, Mayweather controlled the tempo and distance for most of the 12 rounds, frustrating Pacquiao with his trademark defense and precision counterpunching. The result was a clear decision victory for Mayweather, preserving his unbeaten record and leaving many fans wondering what might have been had the two fought earlier in their primes.
Now, Pacquiao gets what could be a long-awaited chance at redemption.
According to leading sportsbook Bovada, Mayweather enters the rematch as a -175 favorite, while Pacquiao is listed at +135. The odds suggest confidence in Mayweather’s ability to once again dictate the fight, but they also show that bettors believe Pacquiao has a legitimate shot to flip the script.
The biggest questions surround timing and adjustments. Can Mayweather, long retired from serious competition, recapture the sharpness that made him nearly untouchable? And can Pacquiao find a way to cut off the ring and land the combinations that eluded him the first time?
On Sept. 19, under the bright lights of Las Vegas, boxing fans will finally get their answer.
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