Why Manny Pacquiao hits out as Floyd Mayweather ‘makes excuses’ on rematch

Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather’s long-awaited rematch has taken an unexpected turn. The fight, announced in February, was presented as a professional bout scheduled for September.

That announcement surprised fans, given the history between the two fighters and the fact that the unbeaten American was retired. It also positioned the event as one of boxing’s biggest modern spectacles.

However, recent comments from Mayweather have created uncertainty. His suggestion that the contest could be an exhibition has raised questions about whether the fight will proceed as initially planned.

Pacquiao has now responded directly to Mayweather’s stance. He made it clear that, from his perspective, there is no ambiguity about the agreement in place.

Speaking at a press conference, ‘Pac-man’ insisted both fighters signed for a professional bout.

He said (via Fight Hub TV): “[The] Proposal of an exhibition was long time ago, a year after our first fight, but I didn’t agree and I wanted it to be a [real] fight.

“So he signed what I signed, he signed a real fight, and I signed a real fight and he got his advance. So there’s no reason to make excuses for that.”

Those comments align with statements from his camp. Representatives have maintained that ‘Money’ has signed multiple agreements and has already taken an advance on his purse for the fight.

That context has intensified scrutiny on Mayweather’s recent remarks. His claim that the bout is an exhibition and that the venue is uncertain directly contradicts earlier announcements.

Despite the conflicting narratives, the fight is still expected to go ahead. With financial commitments already in place, it appears unlikely that either side will walk away from such a high-profile event.

Why Pacquiao vows brawl with Mayweather is real fight, not exhibition

Pacquiao Insists: “It’s a Real Fight”

Manny Pacquiao has taken a firm stance. His September rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a fully sanctioned professional fight—not an exhibition.

Recent comments from Mayweather triggered the controversy, but Pacquiao quickly shut it down.

“The contract we signed is for a real fight,” Pacquiao said after arriving in Los Angeles on April 2. “I wouldn’t fight an exhibition. This is a real fight.”

Rematch Set for Las Vegas Mega Venue

The two boxing legends will meet again on Sept. 19, 2026, at The Sphere in Las Vegas.

Organizers will stream the fight globally on Netflix, bringing the event to a massive worldwide audience.

This bout marks their first professional clash since May 2, 2015, when Mayweather defeated Pacquiao by unanimous decision at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

A Rivalry Built on Historic Numbers

Their first encounter—dubbed the “Fight of the Century”—delivered record-breaking results.

The event generated 4.6 million pay-per-view buys and a $72 million live gate, cementing its place as one of boxing’s biggest commercial successes.

Mayweather’s Comments Spark Dispute

Mayweather stirred confusion on March 29 during an interview with Vegas Sports Today. He described the rematch as an exhibition and downplayed the venue confirmation.

He framed the event as entertainment-driven, suggesting both fighters would emerge as “winners” regardless of the result.

Those remarks directly contradicted Pacquiao’s position and raised questions about the fight’s official status.

Promoters Push Back With Contract Details

Jas Mathur, CEO of Manny Pacquiao Promotions, responded with detailed clarification.

He confirmed that Mayweather signed three separate agreements between October 2025 and January 2026. Each contract clearly defined the bout as a professional fight.

Mathur also revealed that Mayweather received payments, including an advance on his purse.

“No one has raised doubts about the fight’s professional status in the last three months,” Mathur said. “He signed all the contracts.”

He added that both camps—along with Netflix production partners—conducted a full site visit to The Sphere.

Breach of Contract Concerns Emerge

Mathur stated that Mayweather violated the agreement by publicly calling the fight an exhibition and by planning other exhibition bouts. One of those includes a proposed June clash with Mike Zambidis.

The contract includes a “cure period,” giving Mayweather time to correct the issue after formal notice.

Despite the dispute, Pacquiao’s team continues to treat the September fight as a professional bout.

Legacy, Redemption, and High Stakes

Pacquiao has long pursued this rematch. He previously pointed to a shoulder injury that affected his performance in 2015.

Mayweather, who retired with a 50-0 record after defeating Conor McGregor in 2017, has since focused on exhibition fights.

Now, both icons return to center stage. This rematch carries enormous financial, historical, and legacy implications.