Dogli Wilberforce
Manny Pacquiao says his planned rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. will go ahead as a professional bout on September 19 at The Sphere in Las Vegas. The Filipino boxer spoke with ESPN and made his position clear. He said both fighters have signed contracts and already received advance payments.
Pacquiao’s statement comes after Mayweather questioned details about the fight during a recent public appearance. The situation has created uncertainty around the event. Still, Pacquiao’s camp continues to insist that the agreement remains in place. With the date drawing closer, attention has turned to whether both sides will follow through on what was signed and deliver the long-awaited rematch.
Manny Pacquiao Says Contract Confirms Real Fight
Pacquiao said the agreement between both sides is clear and binding. He told ESPN that the fight is set as a professional contest, not an exhibition.
“We both signed the contract, and we both got our advance on our purses, so there’s no way we’re going to cancel this fight. Even with our first fight, he’s a lot [to] deal with, but the fight happened.”
He also responded directly to Mayweather’s claim about the bout being an exhibition.
“What we signed was a real fight, not an exhibition. I don’t know where he got this idea from or where his head was at, but the fight is a real fight, and it absolutely won’t be an exhibition.”
Pacquiao added that he contacted his team as soon as he heard Mayweather’s comments to understand the situation.
Floyd Mayweather Raises Questions About Event Details
Mayweather spoke during a meet-and-greet at Caesars Palace. His comments cast doubt on both the venue and the nature of the fight.
“We don’t know the location of the fight. The Sphere is one of the places that they talked about. So we don’t know if it’ll be 100% there. And this is not actually a fight. It’s an exhibition.”
His remarks came earlier this month and have not been followed by a formal statement from his team. ESPN reported that it contacted representatives from Team Mayweather but did not receive an immediate response.
The conflicting statements from both fighters have left the status of the event unclear as behind-the-scenes discussions continue.
Pacquiao Camp Pushes Forward with Plans
Manny Pacquiao Promotions CEO Jas Mathur said the team remains confident the situation will be resolved. He told ESPN that Mayweather’s comments placed him in breach of contract but added that talks are ongoing.
“We are 100% confident that the overall outcome from this situation will turn out positive,” Mathur said. “We’re gaining progress and traction. Floyd has to live up to his obligations, and I think he wants this fight to happen, too.”
Outside the ring, Pacquiao has continued his work in boxing. He signed a deal with Team Boxing League and will become an owner of the San Diego TJs for the 2027 season.
“Building an empire is very important and very significant to me because we can help a lot of young fighters realize their dream of becoming a world champion. I’m going to be active as a promoter and advise the next generation of boxers.”
Pacquiao also spoke about the rematch and the planned broadcast.
“I’ll fight Floyd Mayweather at The Sphere on Netflix, where even more people can see our fight than last time,” he said. “I’m more excited for the rematch than the first fight.”
As of now, neither side has confirmed any changes to the agreement. The situation remains under discussion as the scheduled date approaches.
