Floyd Mayweather to fight Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas on September 19

Floyd Mayweather will fight long-time rival Manny Pacquiao in a professional rematch in September, 11 years on from their original showdown.

On Friday night, Mayweather revealed that he will be stepping out of retirement this year – facing heavyweight legend Mike Tyson in an exhibition bout first this spring.

And on Monday, it was announced that Mayweather – who turned 49 on Tuesday – will then take on Pacquiao, 47, in his first professional fight in nine years.

This showdown will take place at Sphere in Las Vegas on September 19 and will be broadcast on Netflix.

The two outstanding boxers of their generation met in the ‘Fight of the Century’ in 2015, which saw Mayweather register a unanimous points win to retain the WBA, WBC and WBO welterweight world titles.

It was the highest-grossing event in the sport, generating revenue reportedly in the region of £445million.

‘I already fought and beat Manny once. This time will be the same result,’ said American Mayweather, who has a 50-0 record.

Mayweather has not fought professionally since he stopped UFC superstar Conor McGregor in August 2017.

Meanwhile, Filipino Pacquiao has been active well beyond Mayweather’s professional retirement, with his most recent outing being a majority draw against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in July, also in Las Vegas.

‘Floyd and I gave the world what remains the biggest fight in boxing history,’ Pacquiao said.

‘The fans have waited long enough-they deserve this rematch, and it will be even bigger now that it will be streamed live globally on Netflix.

‘I want Floyd to live with the one loss on his professional record and always remember who gave it to him.

‘As always, I dedicate this fight to my fellow Filipinos around the world and to bringing glory to the Philippines.’

Pacquiao retired in 2021 to pursue his political ambitions in his native Philippines before returning to the ring to face Barrios last year. He has 62 wins from his 73 bouts and is the only boxer to win world titles in eight different divisions.