Ring Observer Boxing by Scoop Malinowski
Written by: Reynante Pascual Santiago
For boxing fans, May 2, 2015, remains a complex scar on the memory. It was the night of the “Fight of the Century,” a blockbuster showdown between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao that was more than a decade in the making. While it crushed financial records with 4.6 million pay-per-view buys, the tactical chess match left a lasting residue of disappointment for those craving a war.
The journey to that ring was an epic saga of delays and ego. A crucial figure in finally unlocking the door was Leslie Moonves, then-CEO of CBS, who leveraged his power to bridge the gap between warring promoters and clashing networks. Yet, even with the deal signed, many felt the timing was strategically calculated. Critics argued that Mayweather waited until the “Pacman” showed signs of decline—specifically waiting three years after the defining, tragic image of 2012: Pacquiao’s brutal, face-first, sixth-round knockout at the hands of Juan Manuel Marquez. Only after seeing Pacquiao horizontal on the canvas did Mayweather finally seem ready to move forward.
The tension was visible long before the opening bell. Observers noted a stark change in Mayweather’s demeanor during the press conferences; the notorious trash-talker who usually dismantled opponents verbally was uncharacteristically subdued and respectful, leading many to wonder if he was feeling the pressure of Pacquiao’s unique threat.
That narrative of hesitation followed him into the ring. During the bout, a telling moment occurred in the corner when Mayweather’s father and trainer, Floyd Sr., was overheard sharply critiquing his son’s uncharacteristic passivity. “You’re fighting like a scared man!” he reportedly barked, urging Floyd to engage more.
While the judges ultimately awarded Mayweather a unanimous decision, the verdict was far from universal among the sport’s royalty. Evander Holyfield publicly disagreed, stating he felt Pacquiao’s aggression deserved the win. Shane Mosley, who fought both men, later expressed his shock at the scorecards, noting that from his vantage point, Pacquiao was the one landing the more meaningful volume and likely outpointed Mayweather. Even Mike Tyson, never one to mince words, was vocal about his distaste for the result and Mayweather’s “business-first” approach, famously calling the fight “underwhelming” and suggesting the “0” was protected by safety rather than dominance.
Fast forward to 2026, and the central question of Mayweather’s hesitation has resurfaced with explosive force. The rematch was set for September 19 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, promoted by Netflix as a professional boxing match. But on March 28, 2026, Mayweather pivoted, declaring the event “not actually a fight, it’s an exhibition.”
This startling 180-degree turn has confirmed the suspicions of many lifelong fans. This perspective is fiercely echoed by Sherwin Chavez Catibog, from Paula Homes, Libjo, Batangas City, Philippines, who sees this move as the ultimate reveal of Mayweather’s mindset.
“If he isn’t scared to lose, why insist on an exhibition? If he truly believes he is the ‘Best Ever’ (TBE) and can beat Pacquiao ‘anytime, anywhere,’ why strip the competition of its meaning?” Catibog asked. “By changing the rules from a ‘fight’ to a ‘show,’ Mayweather isn’t just protecting his flawless 50-0 record; he is, intentionally or not, signaling a powerful fear of any risk that could compromise that signature ‘0.’”
As the 2026 date approaches, the boxing world is left in limbo. Manny Pacquiao’s camp, which prepared for a legitimate fight, and Netflix, which marketed a professional rematch, now face a farce. By attempting to convert a fight into an exhibition at the eleventh hour, Floyd Mayweather may have finally answered the decade-old question. In trying to protect his legacy, he may have inadvertently created the deepest stain upon it.
*Contratulations to my nephew, Engineer Alejandro Luis Santiago Sabaria, for passing the Electronics Technicians and Electronics Engineers Licensure Examinations. So proud of you my boy!
(Artwork by Sen Lacson.)
