Manny Pacquiao Puts Floyd Mayweather on Blast for Taking Advance from Paycheck and Refusing to Put Record on Line

Legend Manny Pacquiao doubles down on his stance regarding Floyd Mayweather's "exhibition" claims for their upcoming rematch.

Manny Pacquiao Puts Floyd Mayweather on Blast for Taking Advance from Paycheck and Refusing to Put Record on Line

Manny Pacquiao goes off on Floyd Mayweather (via Bleacher Report)

In Short
  • Manny Pacquiao criticized Floyd Mayweather for taking an advance on their upcoming rematch while avoiding risks to his perfect record.
  • The rematch is scheduled for September 19, 2026, at the Las Vegas Sphere and will be streamed globally on Netflix.
  • Pacquiao remains active in boxing, having won multiple titles since their first fight, while Mayweather has signed two exhibition bouts for 2026.

Manny Pacquiao is widely regarded as one of boxing’s all-time greats. Competing professionally for nearly 25 years, the Filipino icon has maintained top form. Though he last held a championship belt in 2019, Pacquiao remains a dangerous opponent. As he prepares to return to the ring in September, he called out Floyd Mayweather for avoiding a risk to his perfect record in their upcoming rematch.

The rematch between Pacquiao and Mayweather is scheduled for September 19, 2026, at the Las Vegas Sphere, with Netflix streaming the event globally. This bout is billed as a professional fight more than 11 years after their first meeting in 2015, when Mayweather won by unanimous decision. The first encounter set pay‑per‑view and live‑gate records for boxing and remains one of the sport’s most lucrative events

Mayweather recently stated that the fight’s location at the Las Vegas Sphere was not finalized and could change. He also confirmed the bout will be classified as an exhibition, meaning it will not affect either fighter’s record. In response, Pacquiao’s team cited contractual obligations, claiming Mayweather was in breach. These developments led Pacquiao to call out ‘Money’ for avoiding the risk to his perfect record.

You know that proposed exhibition was a long time ago, a year after out first fight, but I didn’t agree with it then. I wanted real fights. Now he signed for a real fight, I signed for a real fight , he got his advance, there’s no reason to make excuses of that! That’s true.

Manny Pacquiao via DAZN

In recent months, observers have noted Mayweather’s unusual behavior and speculated about his financial obligations. He has two exhibition fights signed for 2026, adding pressure to his schedule. He is set to face heavyweight legend Mike Tyson on April 25 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He is also slated to fight Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis in Athens in June, raising questions about his focus.

Pacquiao’s comments are notable because he remained active after their first fight, winning multiple titles across weight classes. Mayweather retired professionally with a perfect 50‑0 record following his 2017 victory over Conor McGregor. Since then, a rematch has been discussed repeatedly across media and promotional channels, but the fight never materialized until recent announcements and contract disputes.

When Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather first fought, many considered both athletes past their prime. Time is continuing to impact their careers, as ‘Money’ recently turned 49 and ‘Pac-Man’ is 47. These age factors could affect performance and market interest. If the rematch is canceled due to contractual disputes or stipulation issues, it may be the last opportunity to see the two legends face off.

Manny Pacquiao’s violent prediction for the Floyd Mayweather rematch

After losing to Floyd Mayweather by unanimous decision in May 2015, Manny Pacquiao continued his professional career with mixed results. He lost to Jeff Horn in 2017, then captured the WBA super welterweight title in 2018 by defeating Lucas Matthysse. In 2019, he became the oldest welterweight world champion by defeating Keith Thurman. Pacquiao later lost to Yordenis Ugás and briefly retired.

Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao rematch
Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao rematch (via The New Yorker)

Even at 46 years old, Pacquiao faced the younger Mario Barrios in July 2025, with the bout ending in a majority draw. The fight demonstrated Pacquiao’s enduring skill and ability to compete at an elite level. His performance reinforced his reputation as a dangerous fighter. Heading into the upcoming rematch against Mayweather, Pacquiao showed he still possesses the power and strategy to challenge top opponents.

I want Floyd to be forever haunted by the one loss on his professional record and always remember who gave it to him.

Manny Pacquiao via Netflix

Beyond the ring, Manny Pacquiao has remained a jack of all trades, pursuing a career in politics while continuing to fight professionally. He served as a Philippine senator from 2016 to 2022 and briefly ran for president, balancing public service with boxing. The legendary ‘Pac-Man’ is also training his son, Emmanuel Pacquiao Jr., to compete at a high level and follow in his footsteps in the squared circle.

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