Mayweather Vs. Pacquiao 2: Who Really Won?

The legendary Floyd Mayweather and the iconic Manny Pacquiao first clashed in what was dubbed the "Fight of the Century" back in 2015. The anticipation was palpable, the hype was real, and the world watched as these two titans of boxing finally met in the ring. Mayweather won that fight by unanimous decision, but the aftermath was filled with controversy and calls for a rematch. So, naturally, fans started wondering about Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao 2. Did it ever happen? And if it did, who emerged victorious?

The First Showdown: Mayweather vs. Pacquiao I

Before diving into the potential rematch, let's quickly recap the first fight. On May 2, 2015, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Mayweather and Pacquiao finally faced off. Mayweather, known for his defensive prowess and counter-punching skills, entered the ring with an undefeated record. Pacquiao, the aggressive southpaw with lightning-fast hands, was determined to add a loss to Mayweather's record. The fight went the distance, with Mayweather ultimately winning by unanimous decision. The judges scored the fight 118-110, 116-112, and 116-112 in favor of Mayweather. However, the fight wasn't without its critics. Many felt that Mayweather's defensive style, while effective, wasn't the most exciting to watch. Others argued that Pacquiao was hampered by a shoulder injury, which he later had surgery on. Despite the controversy, the fight broke pay-per-view records and cemented Mayweather and Pacquiao's legacies as two of the greatest boxers of all time.

Controversies and Aftermath

The first fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao was marred by several controversies that fueled the demand for a rematch. First and foremost was Pacquiao's shoulder injury, which he claimed significantly impacted his performance. His camp stated that he had been dealing with the injury for weeks leading up to the fight but was cleared to compete by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. However, they were later prohibited from using a pain-numbing injection before the fight, which Pacquiao believed hindered his ability to fight at his best. This led to a wave of speculation about what could have been if Pacquiao had been fully healthy. Furthermore, many fans and analysts felt that Mayweather's defensive, and some would say overly cautious, style of fighting wasn't befitting of a fight of that magnitude. While he was undeniably effective in neutralizing Pacquiao's offense, some argued that he didn't engage enough and relied too heavily on counter-punching and avoiding exchanges. This led to accusations that he was more interested in preserving his undefeated record than putting on an exciting show for the fans. The combination of these factors – Pacquiao's injury and Mayweather's defensive style – left many feeling unsatisfied and longing for a rematch where both fighters would be at their absolute best. The desire to see a definitive, undisputed outcome only intensified the calls for Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2.

The Road to a Rematch (or Lack Thereof)

In the years following their first encounter, rumors of a rematch swirled constantly. Pacquiao repeatedly called for another fight, eager to prove that he could defeat Mayweather. Mayweather, on the other hand, seemed less enthusiastic, often citing his undefeated record and the fact that he had already beaten Pacquiao as reasons not to give him another shot. However, the allure of another massive payday and the persistent pressure from fans and media kept the possibility of a rematch alive. There were several near misses, with negotiations reportedly taking place on multiple occasions. At one point, a rematch seemed imminent, with both fighters exchanging trash talk and promotional materials being prepared. However, for various reasons, the fight never materialized. Sometimes, disagreements over financial terms were the sticking point. Other times, concerns about Pacquiao's promotional obligations or Mayweather's availability got in the way. And then there were the ever-present complexities of boxing politics, with rival promoters and television networks vying for control. Despite the constant speculation and occasional hints of progress, Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 remained elusive. It became one of those dream fights that fans desperately wanted to see but never got, joining the ranks of other boxing rematches that never came to fruition.

Teasing and Near Misses

Over the years, the prospect of Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 was kept alive by a series of tantalizing teases and near misses that only served to frustrate fans further. In 2018, the rumors reached fever pitch when Mayweather and Pacquiao had a brief but highly publicized meeting in Tokyo. A video surfaced showing the two boxing legends chatting amiably, with Mayweather even suggesting that they should do a rematch. This sparked a frenzy of speculation, with many believing that an announcement was imminent. However, weeks turned into months, and no official confirmation was forthcoming. Later that year, Pacquiao signed with Mayweather's former manager, Al Haymon, fueling further speculation that a rematch was in the works. Haymon was known for his ability to make big fights happen, and many believed that he would be the one to finally bring Mayweather and Pacquiao back together in the ring. Yet, despite all the rumors and speculation, Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 continued to remain just out of reach. Each time it seemed like the fight was about to happen, something would fall through, leaving fans disappointed and wondering if they would ever get to see these two legends clash again. These constant near misses only added to the mystique and frustration surrounding the potential rematch, making it one of the most talked-about fights that never happened.

So, Did Mayweather vs. Pacquiao 2 Ever Happen?

Here's the straightforward answer: No, Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao 2 never officially happened in the way fans hoped. While the two boxing legends did share a ring again, it wasn't a professional boxing match with titles on the line. Instead, they had an exhibition bout in Japan in December 2018.

The Exhibition Bout in Japan

On December 31, 2018, Mayweather and Pacquiao faced each other in an exhibition match in Saitama, Japan, under the Rizin Fighting Federation banner. This wasn't a sanctioned boxing match, and Mayweather dominated Pacquiao, eventually winning by TKO (technical knockout) in the sixth round. It was more of a spectacle than a serious competition. The rules were also different from a standard boxing match, with shorter rounds and a more relaxed atmosphere. While the exhibition generated considerable interest and drew a large crowd, it didn't satisfy the fans who were clamoring for a legitimate rematch. It lacked the intensity and high stakes of their first encounter, and many viewed it as a glorified sparring session rather than a true fight. So, while Mayweather and Pacquiao did share a ring again, it wasn't the Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 that everyone had been waiting for. It was a different kind of event, one that didn't carry the same weight or significance as their first encounter. Despite the entertainment value of the exhibition, the desire for a real rematch remained unfulfilled.

Why No Legitimate Rematch?

Several factors contributed to the failure of a legitimate Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 to materialize. First, there were the financial considerations. Mayweather, known for his business acumen, was always looking for the most lucrative deal, and he may not have felt that a rematch with Pacquiao offered the same financial rewards as other potential fights. Second, there were the promotional and political hurdles. Both fighters were represented by different promoters and aligned with different television networks, making it difficult to reach an agreement that satisfied all parties involved. Finally, there was the risk factor. Mayweather had already beaten Pacquiao once, and he may not have been willing to risk his undefeated record in a rematch. Pacquiao, on the other hand, was eager for revenge, but he may not have had the same leverage in negotiations. All of these factors combined to create a perfect storm that prevented Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 from ever happening.

The Lingering What-If

Despite the exhibition bout, the question of who would win a true Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 remains one of boxing's great what-ifs. Would Pacquiao have been able to overcome Mayweather's defensive style with a healthy shoulder? Would Mayweather have been able to replicate his success against a more aggressive and determined Pacquiao? These are questions that will likely never be answered definitively. The first fight left a sense of unfinished business, and the absence of a rematch has only amplified the speculation and debate. Fans will continue to argue about who would have won, each side presenting their arguments and evidence to support their case. Ultimately, Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 will remain a tantalizing fantasy, a reminder of what could have been but never was. It serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of boxing and the challenges of making big fights happen, even when there is overwhelming demand from fans.

Conclusion

While Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao did step into the ring together again after their initial mega-fight, a true, sanctioned Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 never came to pass. The exhibition match in Japan offered a glimpse of what could have been, but it didn't satisfy the hunger for a legitimate rematch. The reasons for the rematch never happening are complex and multifaceted, involving financial considerations, promotional hurdles, and risk assessments. As a result, the question of who would have won a second fight remains unanswered, leaving fans to speculate and debate for years to come. The story of Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of boxing and the many obstacles that can prevent even the most highly anticipated fights from happening.