Dogli Wilberforce
The planned rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. has become the subject of a dispute after conflicting statements about the nature of the bout. The fight, scheduled for September 19, 2026, at The Sphere in Las Vegas, was announced as a professional contest.
However, Mayweather recently described it as an exhibition during a public appearance, creating uncertainty around the event. Pacquiao responded shortly after, addressing the situation directly. His comments focused on the agreement both sides signed and on his willingness to take on the type of fight.
The exchange has drawn attention across the boxing world as both camps maintain different views on the bout’s status.
Manny Pacquiao Responds to Exhibition Claim
Pacquiao, in an interview, made his stance clear when asked about Mayweather’s comments. “The contract that we signed is a real fight. It’s a real fight, not an exhibition.”
He stressed that he has no interest in taking part in a non-competitive event. “No exhibition,” Pacquiao said. “It’s either a real fight or nothing.”
His response came soon after Mayweather stated that the bout would not count as an official fight. Pacquiao did not support that view and instead pointed to the existing agreement.
Pacquiao also confirmed that the original terms remain unchanged from his side. “That’s what we signed,” he said. “Yes, I still remember that.”
Floyd Mayweather’s Comments Create Confusion
Mayweather described the bout differently during a recent interview. “As of right now, we don’t know exactly where the fight is going to be. The Sphere is one of the places that they talked about.”
He then addressed the nature of the event. “This is not actually a fight. It’s an exhibition,” Mayweather said. “We just want to go out there and entertain the people and put on a good show.”
Those comments contradicted earlier announcements that presented the bout as a professional fight. The statements also raised questions about whether the result would count on either fighter’s record.
Contract Details Remain Central to the Dispute
Pacquiao’s team has supported his position by pointing to signed agreements. Jas Mathur, CEO of MP Promotions, said the contracts clearly define a professional fight.
“The fight is still on. There is no termination of any sort, and he has signed for a professional fight.”
“Floyd Mayweather signed not one, not two, but three different agreements on three different dates with two different parties that ultimately got intertwined in January. First one was on October 24, the second one was on November 6, the third one was on December 14.”
He also stated that multiple agreements were signed and that financial terms have already been met. According to the camp, these agreements do not include any terms for an exhibition.
The situation has created uncertainty around the event as both sides continue to present different positions. The fight remains scheduled for September 19, but neither camp has confirmed its final status.
