Netflix to Stream Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao Fight Live at The Sphere

Netflix is diving back into boxing nostalgia, reuniting Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao for a long-anticipated rematch on September 19. This comes on the heels of a recent event featuring Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, marking Netflix’s continued interest in live sports.

The last encounter between Mayweather and Pacquiao, dubbed The Fight of the Century, took place over a decade ago, where Mayweather secured a decisive victory through a 12-round decision. Now, at ages 48 and 47 respectively, the fighters are set to reignite their rivalry.

This rematch presents a strategic opportunity for Netflix as it seeks to establish a presence in live events. While the fight may not reach the levels of excitement anticipated during their first encounter, the event is expected to capture significant attention.

The initial bout garnered a record-breaking 4.6 million pay-per-view buys and set a live gate record of $72 million at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

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For this rematch, Netflix aims to transform the fight into a cultural event by streaming it live for its 325+ million subscribers at no extra charge, likely boosting subscription numbers, particularly in the Philippines.

In a shift from the MGM Grand, the match will take place at The Sphere, which Netflix plans to utilize to create an unparalleled viewing experience. A company release stated, “The production will utilize the venue’s advanced technologies to provide fans with an immersive experience unlike any other in boxing history.”

In a statement, Pacquiao expressed, “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. As always, I dedicate this fight to my fellow Filipinos around the world and to bringing glory to the Philippines.”

Mayweather, whose flawless record stands at 50-0, offered a succinct take on the rematch: “I already fought and beat Manny once. This time will be the same result.”

Gabe Spitzer, Vice President of Sports at Netflix, commented on the significance of the event: “Earlier in my career, I spent weeks in Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao’s training camps in Las Vegas and the Philippines. It was undeniable that they were the two hardest workers in boxing, and their wins and accolades were a product of that. Bringing this rematch to Netflix is a massive ‘full-circle’ moment. We’re thrilled to combine their storied rivalry with the immersive technology of Sphere to deliver a landmark sporting event to our members worldwide.”