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Manny Pacquiao: 'It’s a Real Fight 100% Happening'

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Apr 13, 2026 5:32 PM ET

The drama is already building and the fight is still months away. Manny Pacquiao insists his long-awaited rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. is locked in for September 19, despite recent public comments from Mayweather that cast doubt on the event. “We both signed the contract… there’s no way we’re going to cancel this fight,” Pacquiao said.

The bout is expected to take place at The Sphere and stream globally on Netflix setting up one of the biggest boxing spectacles in history.

“Not an Exhibition” Pacquiao Pushes Back

Tension escalated earlier this month when Mayweather suggested uncertainty around both the venue and the nature of the bout, calling it a potential exhibition.

Pacquiao quickly shut that down. “What we signed was a real fight, not an exhibition.”

The Filipino legend admitted frustration but not surprise given the history between the two. “Even with our first fight, he’s a lot to deal with… but the fight happened.”

Contract Dispute But Progress Being Made

I talked to Manny Pacquiao — who just signed a 9-figure deal with Team Boxing League to be an owner of a San Diego team — “100% confident” the Floyd Mayweather rematch will happen as a pro fight on Sept. 19.https://t.co/UNpTqcKqIz

— Andreas Hale (@AndreasHale) April 13, 2026

Pacquiao’s promotional team, led by CEO Jas Mathur, went a step further suggesting Mayweather’s comments may have violated the agreement.

Still, both sides appear to be working toward a resolution. “We’re making headway… Floyd has to live up to his obligations,” Mathur said. For now, the expectation remains that the fight moves forward as planned.

The rematch comes more than a decade after their 2015 showdown one of the most lucrative fights in boxing history where Mayweather won by unanimous decision.

Now, at 47 years old, Pacquiao is chasing redemption. “I’m more excited for the rematch than the first fight.”

Even as negotiations continue, Pacquiao isn’t standing still. The boxing icon recently signed a nine-figure deal with Team Boxing League and will take on an ownership role with the San Diego TJs starting in 2027.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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