Could Floyd Mayweather truly step out of retirement to defeat Manny Pacquiao in a rematch? It’s a question that divides boxing fans and experts alike, and James Toney isn’t holding back his thoughts. While Toney isn’t exactly jumping for joy at the idea of this high-profile bout, he’s still weighed in with a bold prediction—one that might surprise you. But here’s where it gets controversial: Toney isn’t convinced Mayweather can replicate his past success, and he’s not alone in this skepticism. Let’s dive into why.
The long-awaited clash between Mayweather and Pacquiao finally happened in 2015, with Mayweather securing a unanimous decision victory to retain his WBC and WBA welterweight titles. At the time, it felt like the boxing world had reached its peak. But since then, the paths of these two legends have diverged dramatically. Mayweather, now boasting an unblemished 50-0 record (27 KOs), stepped away from professional boxing after victories over Andre Berto and Conor McGregor, opting instead for exhibition matches that keep his name in the spotlight without the same risks.
Pacquiao, on the other hand, remained a fixture in the ring until 2021, when he lost his WBA welterweight title to Yordenis Ugas in another unanimous decision. Yet, Pacquiao’s story didn’t end there. After a nearly four-year hiatus—excluding exhibitions—he returned in July 2025 for a world title shot against WBC champion Mario Barrios. The result? A draw. But here’s the part most people miss: despite the official outcome, many believed the 46-year-old Pacquiao had done enough to claim the WBC belt at 147lbs. His performance reignited talks of a rematch with Mayweather, a fight Pacquiao has been vocal about wanting—and one that could be incredibly lucrative.
But can Mayweather, now years removed from his prime, truly compete at the same level? Toney, a pound-for-pound legend and Hall of Famer, isn’t convinced. Speaking with ESNEWS, he pointed to Pacquiao’s relentless movement as a game-changer in any potential rematch. ‘Are you serious? I’m going to say Manny Pacquiao [wins],’ Toney declared. ‘He still has the movement, and I haven’t seen Floyd in like 10 years.’ It’s a bold statement, especially considering Mayweather’s last professional fight was over a decade ago, while Pacquiao has stayed active—even if not always victorious.
And this is where the debate heats up. Is Toney’s assessment fair, or is he underestimating Mayweather’s legendary skill and ring intelligence? After all, Mayweather’s undefeated record and tactical brilliance are unmatched. But inactivity is a real concern, and Pacquiao’s recent performances suggest he still has gas in the tank. Could Mayweather’s rust outweigh his genius? Or would Pacquiao’s age finally catch up to him in a rematch? These questions make this hypothetical fight as intriguing as it is divisive.
What do you think? Is Toney right to favor Pacquiao, or is Mayweather’s legacy untouchable? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
