Floyd Mayweather (left) lands a punch on Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, US on 2/5/2015. Over a decade later, they will rematch in Las Vegas on 19/9/2026. Photo: AP

Floyd Mayweather's professional comeback this year was not a complete shock, but it certainly created a stir. After retiring in 2017 with a perfect 50-0 record and 15 world titles across five weight classes, the American boxer concluded his career as one of the sport's greatest fighters.

His opponent will be Manny Pacquiao, 47, in a rematch of their "fight of the century" from 2015. That initial encounter was one of the highest-grossing boxing matches of all time. Over a decade later, Mayweather and Pacquiao still possess the power to ignite the market.

In many other sports, an athlete nearing 50 returning to top-level competition is almost impossible. However, boxing stands as an exception. In recent years, comebacks after long retirements are no longer rare; they seem to have become a trend.

Boxing has historical precedents for comebacks, but never with such frequency. George Foreman retired for 10 years to become a minister before returning to become the oldest heavyweight champion in history at 45. Bernard Hopkins also won world titles in his forties, earning him the nickname "The Alien".

However, the current wave carries a different nuance. In 2024, Mike Tyson made a comeback at 58, fighting his first professional bout in 19 years against Jake Paul, who is 31 years his junior. Netflix announced the fight as the most-watched live-streamed sporting event in history, with approximately 60 million households tuning in.

Pacquiao also returned after four years away from the ring. In the heavyweight division, Deontay Wilder, 40, is set to fight Derek Chisora, 42. Tyson Fury, 37, also returned after his latest retirement, while undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk is already 39. With many contemporary champions in the twilight of their careers, boxing appears to have blurred the lines between its past and present.

Manny Pacquiao (right) punches Mario Barrios in their WBC welterweight title fight at MGM Grand, Las Vegas, US on 19/7/2025. Photo: AP

The reasons behind many boxers' comebacks lie in the sport's unique structure. Boxing lacks a dedicated league for veterans. Upon retirement, a boxer typically exits the professional ecosystem entirely. To return, they only need to reach an agreement with organizers and governing bodies, free from the constraints of fixed league systems found in sports like football or basketball.

Moreover, boxing is an individual sport. Its commercial value hinges on a boxer's name recognition and their ability to sell tickets. A major name, even past their prime, can still guarantee revenue, viewership, and sponsorships. In a fiercely competitive market, this presents a lower-risk option compared to investing in new faces.

The rise of streaming platforms has further amplified this trend. Instead of relying on traditional cable television like during the HBO or Showtime eras, boxing now features on subscription services such as DAZN, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix.

Streaming makes it easier for "super events" to get the green light, thanks to abundant financial resources. However, it also makes them less accessible to the general public if viewers are unwilling to pay fees or subscribe to multiple platforms. In this environment, organizers tend to choose the safe option: relying on proven brands.

The Mike Tyson versus Jake Paul fight became the most-watched live-streamed sporting event in history. Photo: Netflix

However, nostalgia is a double-edged sword. The appeal of legends is undeniable. Names like Tyson, Mayweather, and Pacquiao resonate with an entire generation of fans. They are not merely boxers; they are pop culture icons.

Yet, allocating significant resources—money, media coverage, and airtime—to these comeback fights raises questions about opportunities for the next generation. When the spotlight shines on the past, the future risks being left in the dark.

Boxing has a loyal but not overly large fan base. Each year, only a few events manage to transcend the core audience to become mainstream sports topics. If these events primarily revolve around boxers in their forties and fifties, who will be given the chance to build a long-term image?

In the next 10-15 years, will the current crop of champions possess enough appeal to fill the void when the veteran generation truly retires? Or will boxing be forced to continually seek solace in nostalgia as a saving grace?

Netflix announced the rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

Beyond commercial considerations, there is a concern for safety. Boxing carries inherent risks of brain injury and long-term neurological damage. This risk increases with age. While some older boxers maintain good physical condition, not everyone is a Hopkins.

The Tyson-Jake Paul fight sparked debate about the 31-year age difference. Despite being promoted as an entertainment event, it was a real boxing match with real punches. The line between profit and health can sometimes be very thin.

No one denies the contributions and stature of these legends. They deserve a place in the boxing ecosystem. However, if the sport continues to bet its future on the past, the risk of losing momentum is evident.

When Mayweather, Pacquiao, or Tyson truly bid farewell, will boxing still have enough stars to retain major platforms? Or will the market shift towards other sports with younger appeal?

Nostalgia always sells tickets. But a sport cannot live forever on memories. To survive and thrive, boxing needs new faces—not just talented ones, but also those given sufficient opportunities to shine.

Hong Duy compiled