Manny Pacquiao is “100% confident” that his rematch with Floyd Mayweather on September 19 at The Sphere in Las Vegas will proceed, irrespective of his opponent’s statements.
“We both signed the contract and received our advance payments, so there is no way this fight will be canceled,” Pacquiao informed ESPN. “Even during our first encounter, he was challenging to deal with, yet the fight took place.”
Earlier this month, Mayweather mentioned to Vegas Sports Today during a meet and greet at Caesar’s Palace that “we don’t know the fight’s location. The Sphere is one of the venues that has been discussed. So, we can’t confirm if it will definitely be there. And this isn’t actually a fight; it’s an exhibition.”
Pacquiao expressed disappointment upon hearing Mayweather’s change in stance regarding the fight but was not entirely surprised, considering their past interactions and the challenges faced in arranging their initial bout.
“When I heard Mayweather refer to it as an exhibition, I immediately contacted my team and asked, ‘What’s going on? What’s wrong with this guy?'” Pacquiao stated to ESPN. “What we agreed upon was a legitimate fight, not an exhibition. I don’t understand where he got this notion or what he is thinking, but this fight is indeed a real fight and it will not be an exhibition.”
Manny Pacquiao Promotions CEO Jas Mathur informed ESPN that Mayweather’s remarks constituted a breach of contract and that discussions have been ongoing. Today, Mathur indicated that both parties are “making progress” toward resolving the breach and proceeding with the fight as scheduled.
“We are one hundred percent confident that the overall outcome from this situation will be positive,” Mathur told ESPN. “We are making strides and gaining momentum. Floyd must fulfill his commitments, and I believe he also wants this fight to occur.”
In the meantime, Pacquiao is actively engaging in the boxing scene while anticipating his September matchup with Mayweather.
The boxing icon has recently entered into a nine-figure agreement with Team Boxing League and will take ownership of the San Diego TJs for their 2027 season. Pacquiao will hold both ownership and equity as he seeks to elevate Team Boxing League to a global stage, with the league currently in its fourth season. He aims to enhance global recognition of the brand, adding to his expanding portfolio of assets.
“Building an empire is extremely important and meaningful to me because we can assist many young fighters in achieving their dreams of becoming world champions,” Pacquiao remarked. “I will be actively involved as a promoter and guide the next generation of boxers.”
At 47, Pacquiao has remained committed to making sound investments both within and outside of boxing, engaging in various sectors from film and finance to technology and dietary supplements, while also taking over Mayweather’s former gym in Hollywood and rebranding it as “Pacquiao Prime Boxing.” However, nothing excites him more than the prospect of making history again and avenging his loss to Mayweather.
“I never imagined I would still have the opportunity to make history at this age, both in and out of the ring,” Pacquiao stated. “I’ll face Floyd Mayweather at The Sphere on Netflix, where even more viewers can witness our fight than last time. I am more enthusiastic about the rematch than I was for the first fight.”
