Boxing
Five substantial fights await Floyd Mayweather after Pacquiao II
Floyd Mayweather’s return to fight Manny Pacquiao at the age of 49 is already considered a turning point in the streaming era, but its outcome will shape the direction of boxing’s biggest events.
If the rematch lives up to its promise, Mayweather will once again hold the keys to boxing’s biggest events, with multiple directions available depending on whether the focus is on legacy, business or unfinished business.
WBN looks at what might be in store for Mayweather if his return to pro is successful on September 19 at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
Manny Pacquiao trilogy
The most obvious option is also the simplest. If the sequel delivers the desired results, it will be arduous to avoid a third fight.
The original 2015 fight broke records but left many wanting, so a stronger second leg – supported by a global audience – would make the trilogy a logical sequel and the easiest fight to make.
Rematch with Canelo Alvarez
The second fight with Canelo Alvarez remains one of boxing’s lingering “what if” scenarios.
Canelo’s career may be entering its final stages, but the desire for revenge has never gone away.
The obstacle is finding a workable weight agreement given both fighters’ physical evolution.
If Mayweather looks good against Pacquiao, there’s a possibility it could be one of the biggest events available in the sport.
Terence Crawford Challenge
Terence Crawford represents the closest state-of-the-art analogy to Mayweather’s dominance. An undefeated record and continued success across divisions make this a legacy fight.
A game between 42-0 and 51-0 is hugely critical, but it’s also the riskiest option on the table.
At age 49, the clash with Crawford will be a test of whether Mayweather’s defensive control can still neutralize an elite new-era opponent.
Jake Paul’s business struggle
The fight with Jake Paul sells itself. Their previous confrontation outside the ring has already generated interest, and Paul’s attitude ensures attention regardless of the outcome.
Regardless of the level Mayweather shows against Pacquiao, the fight remains profitable.
It’s a high-revenue, low-barrier fight, especially in a market where crossover fights often outperform conventional fights.
Conor McGregor’s rematch
The numbers alone keep Conor McGregor in the conversation. Their first meeting was one of the best-selling events in boxing history, following the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight.
The level of demand still matters.
In today’s streaming-driven environment, the rematch could easily be classified as a global spectacle with the potential to deliver another massive financial return.
Stakes of the streaming era
As previously reported by World Boxing News, the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao rematch is set to redefine boxing’s audience scale in the streaming era.
The move from pay-per-view to a global subscription platform changes the way success is measured. If an event meets expectations, it strengthens the case for each option being considered.
Whether it leads to a trilogy, a long-awaited rematch, or a crossover event, Mayweather’s next move will depend on how far this current model can extend the biggest nights in sports.
Calculated final chapter
Mayweather won’t come back to rebuild anything. His legacy is now protected. All that remains is the ability to add to it in a controlled way.
Each option carries a different balance of risk and reward, but they all have one factor in common: scale. At the age of 49, every decision carries more weight.
If the rematch with Pacquiao ends as expected, Mayweather will not only be back – he will once again control the direction of sports’ biggest nights.
About the author
Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Read the full biography.
Chris Billam-Smith believes Ryan Rozicki is taking his opportunity seriously, but he doesn’t think a single training camp will make up for the years spent competing at the next level.
The former WBO cruiserweight champion will return against Rozicki in Bournemouth on Saturday, with the winner moving closer to a major fight in the division led by Jai Opetai.
Billam-Smith was asked if Rozicki truly believed he belonged at this level.
“I believe he thinks he’s been given an opportunity. He takes it very seriously and does everything he has to do. But sometimes it’s just not enough. Sometimes you’re just not good enough,” Billiam-Smith told ProBox TV.
“I think he is what he is in terms of his punching power, his physique and what he does. But sometimes there are things you can’t just incorporate in training camp. When I’ve been doing it for so long and been at the next level for so long, you can’t just make up for it in one training camp.”
Rozicki comes into the fight with a reputation as one of the toughest fighters in the division and has repeatedly talked about ending the fight by knockout. Billam-Smith acknowledged the threat but believes experience will be a factor when they meet.
“He’s talked about it before: ‘I win by knockout or I get knocked out.’ So there’s no doubt in my mind that he knows he can get beat.
“But I think he thinks it’s a good opportunity.”
Saturday’s fight is Billam-Smith’s first appearance since his points win over Brandon Glanton in April 2025. A victory will put him in top cruiserweight fights, including a potential clash with Ring magazine champion Jai Opetaia.
“For me, I think he believes he has a chance and will give it his all. But the Jai Opetaia fight is the one I want at the moment. It’s the next step, but I have to take care of things on Saturday first.”
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Last update: 2026/06/04 at 11:24
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