Floyd Mayweather, 49, and Manny Pacquiao, 47, are set to face off in a highly anticipated rematch in Las Vegas on 19 September, reigniting one of boxing’s most famous rivalries.
The fight, however, has been described by boxing analysts as more of a spectacle than a competitive bout. Steve Bunce called it a “carnival,” noting that it is unlikely to capture the same intensity as their original 2015 matchup, which many fans considered delayed and underwhelming.
Such high-profile, one-off events have become a hallmark of Netflix boxing, prioritizing entertainment and impact over long-term sporting significance. Bunce highlighted previous “carnival” fights streamed on the platform, including Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul and Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua, emphasizing that these bouts often focus more on star power than athletic peak performance.
Bunce added that the upcoming Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch will likely be an ego-driven spectacle rather than a contest between two athletes at their prime. “It’ll just be two men, way past their best in a legitimate fight that is nothing more than an ego-driven sparring session,” he said, describing the growing trend of theatrical boxing events as a deepening circus.
ADD A COMMENT :