“Make him sign first”: Manny Pacquiao sets conditions for rematch with Floyd Mayweather

Boxing fans around the world now have a date to mark on their calendars. Nearly a decade after their first historic encounter at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are reportedly set to face off once again in a highly anticipated rematch of the iconic “Battle of the Century.”

The welterweight showdown is scheduled for September 19 in Las Vegas (September 20 in the Philippines) at the Sphere, with Netflix set to stream the event exclusively, the streaming giant announced.

“Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao. Two of the greatest icons in boxing history will meet again in the first-ever professional boxing match at Sphere in Las Vegas. Saturday, September 19. LIVE globally only on Netflix,” Netflix posted on X (formerly Twitter), generating a flurry of excitement among fans worldwide.

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Despite the announcement, uncertainty remains surrounding the fight’s official status. Pacquiao confirmed in a recent media interaction that Mayweather has yet to sign the contract, fueling questions about whether the rematch will be a professional bout or an exhibition.

“Make him sign first. Then I will sign. I know he knows that the contract he signed is for a real fight. That’s how he got the advances from Netflix and the lender,” Pacquiao said, emphasizing that he will only commit once Mayweather’s agreement is finalized.

“There’s no reason for him to cancel it. If he does, that’s his right, but he will face a lot of problems: from Netflix, from event organizers and sponsors, MP Promotions. That’s why for this fight, I made sure he signs first—based on my experience before,” he added.

🚨 Manny Pacquiao reacts to Floyd Mayweather saying that their fight is an exhibition 🗣️

“The contract that we signed is a real fight. I wouldn’t fight an exhibition.”

🎥 @jhayoh pic.twitter.com/pxu9eQ8L64

— Source of Boxing (@Sourceofboxing) April 2, 2026

Pacquiao’s cautious approach stems from prior experiences with the American superstar. Between 2010 and 2015, Pacquiao signed multiple contracts for fights with Mayweather that never materialized despite repeated assurances from Mayweather’s camp.

“Before the previous fight, we were dealing with him for like eight years. There were so many promises, and I think of all the times I signed a contract thinking that was the one. That was at least five years, with a lot of alibis. Him still changing his mind—you need to honor your commitment. This time, there’s no reason for alibis or excuses,” Pacquiao said.

The eight-division world champion also stressed that he does not see the need for personal calls or meetings with Mayweather regarding the fight. Pacquiao remains confident that alternative plans are available should Mayweather eventually back out.

“There’s no need for me to say anything because he already signed the contract. What for? I’m not angry, but that’s not right to cancel the fight. You have the right to cancel the fight, but you have a lot of consequences to face,” he said.

“We have no problem with that because we have lots of options. Netflix is always there. September 19 is always there. Plan B, Plan C, a lot of options,” Pacquiao added.

Although he officially retired in 2021 following a loss to Yordenis Ugas, Pacquiao has since returned to the ring. His recent draw against Mario Barrios last year and an upcoming exhibition bout against Ruslan Provodnikov on April 18 are seen as potential tune-ups ahead of a showdown with Mayweather.

Meanwhile, Mayweather has not fought professionally since his 2017 crossover bout with Conor McGregor, though he has remained active in high-profile exhibition matches around the globe.

Until official details are finalized, the rematch between Mayweather and Pacquiao is shaping up to be more than a fight—it is a clash of legends, legacy, and expectations, with the stakes extending beyond the ring as the meaning of the bout itself remains under debate.

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