Videos suggest that a rematch between Mayweather and Pacquiao is on its way. However, there are reasons why boxing fans will not be as excited as before.
A sequel to boxing’s “Fight of the Century” might be on its way.
Both stars of the first bout in 2015, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, have suggested recently the possibility of a rematch in December this year.
50-1 #NoExcuses pic.twitter.com/c5Q6khCDd9
— Manny Pacquiao (@mannypacquiao) September 15, 2018
However, members of the boxing community are concerned that the possible MayPac 2 is just a terrible idea. Here are three compelling arguments why a Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch would fail to capture the imagination of most fans today.
1 | Both Boxers Are Past their Prime
No matter how illustrious both of their careers were, there is no denying that Mayweather and Pacquiao potentially fighting on December is nowhere near the peak of their respective careers.
Now a boxing promoter through his Mayweather Promotions, the 41-year-old North American has been in retirement from professional boxing for the past three years.
However, the five-division world champion fought once again after two years, but only in what many call as a “farcical” boxing contest against mixed martial arts (MMA) superstar Connor McGregor.
Mayweather/mcgregor is truly the biggest farce/moneygrab in sports history! Id rather watch wwe then pay for this trash #MayweatherMcGregor
— Mike Matusow (@themouthmatusow) July 14, 2017
Mayweather McGregor: A farce rather than a fight. Stupid money and all the hype for a foregone conclusion that will sadly break PPV records
— Dominic Shaw (@DomShawGazette) June 15, 2017
Meanwhile, the 39-year-old Pacquiao is serving as a senator back in the Philippines for two years, with a stint in the Congress six years prior.
His latest fight was a knockout victory against a disappointing welterweight champion in Lucas Matthysse, his first TKO win since 2009. Nevertheless, many boxing analysts noticed that Pacquiao might have lost the speed that terrorized his opponents during his younger years.
Manny Pacquiao fought a good fight today but it’s undeniable that he’s slower of hand and foot. An old puncher in Matthysse was tailor made for him at this point in his career. I hope Manny doesn’t entertain the idea of a Crawford fight. It wouldn’t end well for him.
— Daniel Attias (@Dan_Attias) July 15, 2018
Pacquiao was made to look great by a slow and timid Matthysse with a lack of ambition. Pac doesn’t have that energy of old but the pop is still there. Hopefully he fights again before the end of the year. #MatthysePacquiao #boxing
— Callum (@BCTHEGRANDSLAM) July 15, 2018
Should they indeed fight again, the title card might read Mayweather and Pacquiao. However, the fighters on the ring would only be shadows of their former selves.
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2 | Fans Remember the 2015 Snoozefest
The pay-per-view (PPV) for the much-hyped fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao cost fans in the United States almost US$90 dollars. Tickets sold publicly reached US$7,500 per seat.
The event generated more than US$500 million in combined PPV, broadcasting rights, tickets, and other revenue streams.
However, the “Fight of the Century” in 2015 failed to live up to its name, to the fans’ expectations, and to the ticket and PPV prices.
Many boxing fans lost their enthusiasm as the bout went on, with Mayweather employing the defensive style that won him championships and Pacquiao missing a ton of punches that he blamed on an undisclosed shoulder injury.
We waited 5 years for that… #underwhelmed #MayPac
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) May 3, 2015
I paid the €25, so I'm entitled to my opinion. Here it is. Dull, boring & incident free. What a waste of money. #MayPac #shouldhavewenttobed
— Simon Delaney (@SimonDelaneyEsq) May 3, 2015
5 years of anticipation for that? To be honest, I might not ever watch boxing again! #MayPac
— SK (@SeanKilpatrick) May 3, 2015
Call me old school but I like the fans getting their money's worth by watching an action packed fight.
— Oscar De La Hoya (@OscarDeLaHoya) May 3, 2015
The initial reaction of the online community to the rematch showed that they have never forgotten the dull fight between the two from three years ago.
With the two boxers three years older than when they initially fought, boxing fans expect a more boring rematch that would fail to attract the same attention as the first bout.
3 | The Rematch Might Not Happen After All
Shortly before the much-awaited rematch between middleweights Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin, the video “announcing” the fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao surfaced on the internet.
Many keen-eyed fans suggested that the video was a ploy Mayweather used to spite Oscar de la Hoya, a rival boxer and promoter, with whom he had a well-documented and long-standing argument.
According to the community, the announcement was released to distract the public away from the massive PPV match. Coincidentally, the Golden Boy Promotions of de la Hoya organized the Alvarez-Golovkin bout.
Mayweather hinting at a comeback fight against Pacquiao wouldn’t have anything to do with Canelo (and, more importantly, De La Hoya) having a major pay per view today, would it?
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) September 15, 2018
If this were the case, according to most fans in the scene, it would mean that the Mayweather and Pacquiao rematch in December would never materialize.
After all, they said, the announcement came from the boxer who stated he had fought his last bout three times and unretired twice to fight again. Meanwhile, boxing fans are also hoping to see a Evander Holyfield vs Mike Tyson rematch soon.
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