Two boxing experts are siding with the same fighter when it comes to early predictions for the upcoming rematch between old rivals Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
The fighters stopped the combat sports world in 2015 when they finally collided in the ring after years of back-and-forth, needless drama, and posturing, but yet the fight itself was more akin to a damp squib rather than an electric boxing contest. Regardless, the anticipation alone saw the pay-per-view sell to 4.6 million homes in the US alone — the best-selling fight in box office history.
Mayweather fought just once after that in a 10th round stoppage loss to Conor McGregor two years later, while Pacquiao continued to compete, often rolling back the years to defy Father Time much like his 2025 draw with Mario Barrios in which he looked every bit the welterweight competitor against a much younger champion.
In 2026, Mayweather and Pacquiao stopped the combat sports world once again when announcing their rematch — 11 years after the original, with both guys a combined 96 years old when they finally come to blows in the do-over, mid-september at The Sphere in Las Vegas.
But though Pacquiao is the far more active fighter, a current welterweight star, together with one of boxing’s most respected coaches, pick Mayweather to repeat his win and extend his pro record to 51-0.
Speaking to YSM Sports Media about Mayweather, unbeaten American puncher Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis said: “He is older now, he ain’t going to be too much moving. He is going to be sharp and he is going to make Pacquiao run into something.”
Renowned for his knockout shots, Ennis expects Mayweather to finish Pacquiao later this year.
“[The KO] is a possibility, I ain’t even gonna lie. I can see him catching Pacquiao.”
Stopping short of predicting a knockout, Robert Garcia — coach of elite fighters like Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez, Vergil Ortiz, and Oscar Duarte — agreed with Ennis regarding the end result.
“I think Floyd [wins],” he said, adding: “Floyd’s too smart, man. Too good.”
In a statement sent to Boxing Social upon announcing the fight, Mayweather said: “I already fought and beat Manny once. This time will be the same result.”
Pacquiao said: “Floyd and I gave the world what remains the biggest fight in boxing history. 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,” he finished.
MUST READ:
