Manny Pacquiao may face Floyd Mayweather again in a rematch dubbed Mayweather-Pacquiao II. This could take place in 2026, more than a decade after their first bout. Pacquiao recently confirmed his willingness to engage in this highly anticipated fight, indicating that “there’s an ongoing negotiation.”
The eight-division world champion has returned to the ring after a four-year hiatus. In his latest outing, he fought WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, resulting in a draw. Many analysts suggested that Pacquiao performed well enough to win that match.
Tim Bradley’s Insights on Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Rematch
Tim Bradley, a former opponent of Pacquiao, shared his views on the potential rematch in an interview with FightHype. Bradley faced Pacquiao three times between 2012 and 2016, securing one victory and two losses against him.
Bradley’s Perspective on the Upcoming Fight
- Bradley emphasized Pacquiao’s performance against Barrios, who he described as a tough competitor.
- Many spectators believed Pacquiao deserved the win in that fight.
- Despite Pacquiao’s capabilities, Bradley believes Mayweather would still gain the upper hand.
“Mayweather has proven he can beat Manny Pacquiao,” said Bradley. He noted that Mayweather, despite being 48 years old, maintains the skills necessary to outperform Pacquiao.
Reasons for Mayweather’s Advantage
Bradley highlighted several factors contributing to Mayweather’s potential success in the rematch:
- Exceptional ability to maintain distance.
- Expertise in counterpunching and fighting from the outside.
- Experience within the ring against a variety of opponents.
When discussing their first match, Bradley labeled it a “dud,” suggesting that the fight did not live up to fan expectations. Nonetheless, he maintains that Mayweather’s fighting style remains a significant hurdle for Pacquiao.
As discussions of Mayweather-Pacquiao II continue, boxing enthusiasts are eager to see how this saga unfolds. The looming rematch could redefine their legacies, with both fighters striving to prove their dominance in the ring once more.
