Pacquiao camp says bout must proceed as professional fight or September 19 event could be pulled
Floyd Mayweather has been given a deadline to correct a contract breach tied to his planned rematch with Manny Pacquiao. The September 19 event now depends on his response.
Jas Mathur, CEO of Manny Pacquiao Promotions, said the issue centers on Mayweather publicly describing the bout as an exhibition despite signed agreements for a professional fight at The Sphere in Las Vegas, with a Netflix broadcast attached to the event.
“The fight is contracted as a professional fight. It was never an exhibition,” Mathur said to Boxingscene. “He’s in breach right now. He has to provide written confirmation by tomorrow that he intends to cure it.”
Mathur said the deal was structured entirely around a sanctioned contest, including financial guarantees and projected streaming figures. He added that Mayweather has already accepted advances connected to the agreement and is now attempting to change the terms after those commitments were made.
“There’s multiple breaches across the board,” Mathur said. “He wanted a pro fight when he was signing the contracts and taking the deposits. Now he wants to switch it.”
Pacquiao’s side has rejected any proposal to convert the bout into an exhibition. Mathur said the terms of the agreement do not allow for that change, and the interest from their side remains tied only to a professional fight.
Despite online reports suggesting the event had been called off, Mathur said no cancellation has been issued. The fight remains scheduled, but it depends on whether Mayweather provides written confirmation that he will proceed under the original terms.
If that confirmation is not delivered within the required window, the rematch risks being pulled before it reaches the ring.
Despite the posturing, it’s hard to see Mayweather walking away from this. Here is why:
The “Binding Agreement”: Jas Mathur hasn’t been shy about pointing out that executed contracts are already in place. Netflix isn’t a traditional promoter; they have massive legal resources and a global brand to protect. If Floyd tanks their first major boxing venture, the legal fallout would be unprecedented.
The Money: With a projected $600 million revenue and a gate that could rival their 2015 record, the “Money” persona won’t let that kind of payday disappear over a technicality.
Most industry insiders expect him to provide the written confirmation at the eleventh hour. If Floyd truly refuses to fight professionally, Pacquiao’s camp has been extremely firm: No professional fight, no rematch.