Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather Fight Leads to Confusion as Fighters Make Contrasting Claims

Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao have differing stances on the stipulations of their upcoming Netflix rematch.

Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather Fight Leads to Confusion as Fighters Make Contrasting Claims

Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather have differing stances for upcoming rematch (via Boxing Scene)

In Short
  • Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather are set for a rematch on September 19, 2026, at the Las Vegas Sphere.
  • Pacquiao insists the fight is a professional contest, while Mayweather claims it will be an exhibition.
  • The bout's outcome could jeopardize Mayweather's undefeated record and has sparked contractual disputes between both fighters' teams.

Boxing has produced numerous superfights over the past century, with some contests leaving a lasting mark. The 2015 Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather bout stood out, pitting two legends in a long-anticipated match. Now, in the latter stages of their careers, the pair are set for a rematch. The fight is already surrounded by controversy, as Pacquiao and Mayweather hold differing views on its stipulations.

The rematch was announced in a surprise move by Netflix, nearly 11 years after Pacquiao and Mayweather first faced each other. Both fighters shared the official poster on their social media accounts. The fight is scheduled for September 19, 2026, at the Las Vegas Sphere, with a major streaming distribution planned. Promoters had highlighted the bout as one of the most significant boxing events of the year.

Marketing for the fight has been minimal, with no major developments beyond the official Netflix announcement. Mayweather recently revealed that the Las Vegas Sphere was not yet confirmed as the official venue. He also stated the bout would be an exhibition rather than a professional fight. However, Pacquiao has now replied, emphasizing the fight was signed as a professional contest from the start.

Is that what he’s feeling? But he signed a real fight. Yes, the contract that we signed is a real fight. I wouldn’t fight an exhibition. It’s a real fight. That’s the contract that he signed. He has to remember that.

Manny Pacquiao via PhilBoxing

Their first fight in 2015 was one of boxing’s most successful events, generating over $600 million in total revenue, including more than $400 million from pay-per-view sales. Mayweather reportedly earned $200 million, while Pacquiao took home around $120 million. Discussions about a potential rematch followed, but they never materialized, leaving fans to wait over a decade for a second meeting.

After their first fight, Mayweather competed professionally twice, defeating Andre Berto in 2015 and Conor McGregor in 2017 before retiring from sanctioned bouts. Since then, ‘Money’ has had around eight exhibition fights worldwide against influencers and amateur boxers. Pacquiao has continued his professional career, most recently fighting Mario Barrios in July 2025, which ended in a majority draw.

The outcome of the rematch carries significant stakes for both fighters. If the fight proceeds as a professional contest, a Manny Pacquiao win would put Floyd Mayweather’s perfect 50‑0 record at risk. The bout represents one of the few chances for both legends to compete at the highest level again. Its resolution will determine whether the long‑awaited rematch adds a new chapter to history or ends in controversy.

Manny Pacquiao’s team hits back at Floyd Mayweather’s comments

Floyd Mayweather has a busy schedule planned for 2026, with multiple high-profile fights announced throughout the year. He was first set to face fellow legend Mike Tyson in an exhibition match. Following that, he was scheduled to return to professional boxing against Manny Pacquiao in September 2026. In addition, Mayweather was later announced to fight Mike Zambidis in another exhibition bout in June.

Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao Jeff Mayweather
Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao (via MARCA)

However, Mayweather’s recent contractual changes for the Pacquiao fight have drawn pushback from the Filipino legend’s team and promoter Jas Mathur. They maintain that the bout was signed as a professional contest, with multiple agreements already in place. Advance payments were also made to Mayweather under these contracts

Floyd Mayweather signed not one, not two, but three different agreements on three different dates with two different parties that ultimately got intertwined in the month of January. First one was on 24 October, the second one was on 6 November, the third one was on 14 December. He received money for all three agreements when he signed them. Not only that, but he’s also taken out an advance on his purse for his fight against Pacquiao. He’s been in a breach since the day he went out and said what he said.

Jas Mathur via ESPN

This is not the first time Floyd Mayweather has faced legal issues over contracts. He was previously sued for breach of contract after failing to repay investors for his fight against Logan Paul. The dispute with Manny Pacquiao’s team highlights ongoing concerns about contractual compliance. Its resolution will determine whether the September 2026 rematch proceeds as a sanctioned professional fight or faces further challenges.

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