Licensing reviews are routine whenever a retired boxer seeks to return, especially when age and inactivity are involved. Athletic commissions normally require medical examinations and can also review training activity before approving a license.
People familiar with Mayweather’s plans told BoxingScene the process is expected to move forward without major complications because the former five-division champion stays active in the gym despite focusing on exhibitions in recent years. Athletic commissions still require full medical clearance when a retired boxer seeks to return, particularly after several years away from sanctioned competition.
Mayweather has taken part in several exhibition bouts around the world since retiring with a perfect 50-0 professional record. Those appearances kept him active in public view, but did not require the same regulatory oversight as a sanctioned professional fight. A rematch against Pacquiao would place him back under full commission supervision.
Pacquiao already returned to sanctioned competition. The Filipino veteran fought Mario Barrios to a draw in a welterweight title fight last year, showing he was willing to risk his official record again after several years of exhibition activity.
The new bout has been promoted as a sequel to their 2015 fight, which produced one of the richest events in boxing history. Unlike many veteran exhibitions in recent years, both fighters have indicated that the rematch will count on their professional records.
Pacquiao previously explained that he rejected an earlier suggestion that the contest take place under exhibition rules.
“Before, he wanted an exhibition fight against me, but I disagreed,” Pacquiao said. “I want to fight a real fight, so this is it.”
Commission approval remains the step that determines whether the event becomes a reality. Announcing a fight is easy in boxing, but regulators still have to decide if a 49-year-old former champion can return to professional competition.
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