Oscar De La Hoya “Ignites” Pacquiao vs Mayweather Rematch: “This Fight Should Have Happened a Long Time Ago”
In a bold and surprising statement, legendary boxer Oscar De La Hoya has sparked the possibility of a rematch between two of boxing’s most iconic fighters — Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather. “This fight should have happened a long time ago,” De La Hoya said in a recent interview.
“But I’m really curious to see how Mayweather will react to Pacquiao’s style once again.” De La Hoya revealed that the long-awaited rematch is set to take place in December this year — and fans are already eagerly anticipating what promises to be a thrilling showdown.

The first encounter between Pacquiao and Mayweather in 2015 remains one of the most talked-about events in boxing history. Though the fight lived up to the hype in terms of global attention, many fans were left disappointed by the lack of action and the way Mayweather controlled the pace.
Since then, fans and analysts alike have debated the outcome of a potential rematch, with some claiming that a second bout would be much different given how both fighters have evolved over time. De La Hoya, a former world champion himself, has never been shy about offering his opinions on the sport. As someone who has faced both Pacquiao and Mayweather during his career, De La Hoya knows firsthand the unique challenges each fighter brings to the ring.
His comments have reignited the conversation about the possibility of a rematch, drawing attention to the differences in their styles and how those differences might play out in a second bout. “Pacquiao is a relentless fighter with an unpredictable style,” De La Hoya explained. “He brings intensity and pressure like no one else, and that could really test Mayweather’s ability to control the fight again.”
Pacquiao’s aggressive and unpredictable fighting style has always been one of his strongest assets. Known for his speed, power, and relentless pressure, Pacquiao has faced some of the best fighters in the world and has consistently delivered thrilling performances. On the other hand, Mayweather’s defensive genius and counterpunching ability have made him one of the greatest tacticians in the history of boxing. While his strategy may not always lead to exciting action, it has proven highly effective in neutralizing opponents and controlling the pace of the fight.
In their first encounter, Mayweather used his trademark defensive skills to frustrate Pacquiao and win the fight by unanimous decision. However, many fans and analysts believe that a rematch would play out differently. “Pacquiao has only gotten better with time,” De La Hoya said.
“His movement, his explosiveness — it’s only improved, and Mayweather will have to adjust to that.” The idea that Pacquiao has continued to evolve while Mayweather has remained somewhat static in his approach is one of the key reasons why many believe the outcome of a rematch would not be as clear-cut as their first bout.
Mayweather has largely stayed out of the limelight since his retirement from boxing in 2017, occasionally making comebacks for exhibition bouts that have garnered significant attention. Despite being well into his 40s, Mayweather has shown little signs of slowing down, often claiming that he is still the best fighter in the world. The question, however, is whether he can still handle the relentless pressure of a fighter like Pacquiao, especially after being away from the competitive boxing scene for so long.

For Pacquiao, the time since his first fight with Mayweather has been filled with ups and downs. Despite his age, Pacquiao has continued to compete at the highest level, most recently winning a title at the age of 40. His ability to remain relevant in the sport, despite a career that spans over two decades, speaks to his talent and drive. De La Hoya has praised Pacquiao’s ability to maintain his speed and power, suggesting that those attributes could be enough to give him an edge in a potential rematch.
With both fighters now at an older stage in their careers, the rematch would likely bring a different dynamic to the ring. While Mayweather’s defense remains as sharp as ever, questions remain about whether his style will still be as effective against the relentless aggression of Pacquiao. Pacquiao, on the other hand, is no longer the young, explosive fighter he once was, but his experience, speed, and relentless nature have continued to serve him well. “It’s a fight that should have happened years ago,” said De La Hoya. “But now, with both fighters having more experience and different styles, it could be a completely different story.”
For the fans, this potential rematch is a dream scenario. Boxing enthusiasts have long speculated about what a second fight between these two legends would look like, and De La Hoya’s comments have reignited that passion. The fight would not only be a significant event for boxing fans but also for the fighters themselves, as both Pacquiao and Mayweather look to cement their legacies as two of the greatest to ever step into the ring.

In conclusion, the possibility of a Pacquiao vs Mayweather rematch has once again become a hot topic in the boxing world, thanks to Oscar De La Hoya’s recent comments. As both fighters have evolved over the years, a rematch promises to be a thrilling contest that could offer a very different outcome from their first encounter. With De La Hoya’s endorsement and the backing of passionate boxing fans worldwide, the stage is set for a fight that could once again capture the imagination of the sporting world. Only time will tell if this highly anticipated rematch will ever become a reality.