Manny Pacquiao disputes Mayweather, says rematch a ‘real fight’
Manny Pacquiao has publicly contradicted Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s claim that their upcoming September 19 bout is an exhibition, insisting he signed a contract for a "real fight."
Manny Pacquiao and his team are currently disputing Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s public characterization of their scheduled September 19, 2026 rematch as an exhibition fight. According to recent reports from April 2026, Pacquiao has publicly contradicted Mayweather's claims, insisting he signed a contract for a "real fight" and stating "No exhibition. It's either a real fight or nothing." The dispute centers on Mayweather allegedly breaching their contract by calling the event an exhibition during a meet-and-greet at Caesar's Palace and planning a separate exhibition with Mike Zambidis in June 2026.
Pacquiao Promotions CEO Jas Mathur has accused Mayweather of multiple contract violations, including accepting a purse advance and questioning the venue despite a joint site visit with Netflix and other partners. Mathur confirms the fight remains on track with no termination, noting there is a "cure period" for Mayweather to rectify violations after written notice. A judge is expected to rule soon on the dispute regarding whether the bout should proceed as a professional fight or exhibition.
The rematch was officially announced on February 23, 2026, as a professional boxing match scheduled for September 19, 2026, at the Sphere in Las Vegas, to be streamed live on Netflix. This would mark Mayweather's return to sanctioned fights since 2017, with his 50-0 professional record at stake. Pacquiao, who lost their 2015 "Fight of the Century" by unanimous decision while fighting with a shoulder injury, has expressed his desire to give Mayweather his first professional loss and honor Filipino boxing fans.
The contractual dispute highlights the significant stakes involved, as an exhibition format would protect Mayweather's undefeated record, while a professional fight would put it on the line. Both fighters are in their late 40s (Mayweather will be 49 and Pacquiao 47 on fight night), making this one of the most anticipated boxing events of 2026. The outcome of the legal dispute will determine whether the fight proceeds as originally contracted or if Mayweather's characterization as an exhibition prevails.
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