Eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao has clarified that his upcoming rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a real fight, not an exhibition match. Reports emerged that the two camps were at odds after Mayweather commented that Pacquiao-Mayweather 2.0 was for entertainment purposes only. Pacquiao addressed questions about the forthcoming bout during the 3rd Pacquiao-Elorde Awards Night.
Pacquiao Sets the Record Straight
“We both signed the contract that it is a real fight,” Pacquiao stated. “There is no reason for the fight not to happen… unless he really does not want to fight.” The boxing legend emphasized that the agreement is binding and expects the fight to proceed as planned.
Fight Details
The rematch is scheduled for September 19, 2026, at The Sphere in Las Vegas and will be streamed on Netflix. The two boxing legends first met in the ring on May 2, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Mayweather won by unanimous decision. Pacquiao’s camp remains confident that the fight will push through as a competitive bout, dismissing any notions of it being merely an exhibition.
