![\"Manny](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-472027404-e1776295047361.jpg\")
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Manny Pacquiao lands a punch on Floyd Mayweather Jr. during their 2015 bout in Las Vegas. The two are set to meet again in a highly anticipated rematch.<\/p>\n
Manny Pacquiao<\/a> says Floyd Mayweather Jr.<\/a> has finally given his answer \u2014 and it clears a major hurdle for their long-awaited rematch.<\/p>\n Pacquiao told BoxingScene\u2019s Lance Pugmire<\/a> that Mayweather has agreed to move forward with their Sept. 19 showdown as a legitimate professional fight, not an exhibition, after days of uncertainty surrounding the event.<\/p>\n \u201cThe fight is on,\u201d Pacquiao said in a text message to Pugmire.<\/p>\n Pacquiao Ultimatum Forces Mayweather Decision on Fight Status<\/p>\n The update follows a tense stretch in negotiations, during which Pacquiao publicly challenged Mayweather to clarify whether the bout would be a sanctioned fight.<\/p>\n Mayweather had previously referred to the Netflix-streamed event as an exhibition, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the rematch.<\/p>\n Pacquiao pushed back forcefully, insisting that was not what had been agreed upon.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not what we signed,\u201d Pacquiao said<\/a> in an interview with Inside the Ring. \u201cWe signed a real fight.\u201d<\/p>\n Pacquiao even issued a 24-hour deadline for Mayweather to confirm his participation under professional rules, increasing pressure on the undefeated former champion to make a decision.<\/p>\n Mayweather\u2019s Netflix Deal Adds Financial Pressure to Commit<\/p>\n The negotiations also carry financial implications beyond the ring.<\/p>\n MP Promotions president Jas Mathur said Mayweather has already taken out a loan tied to the upcoming Netflix event, with the fight contract serving as collateral \u2014 a structure that increases the urgency to finalize the bout as a sanctioned fight.<\/p>\n According to Mathur, the agreement is \u201ccollateralized\u201d in a manner similar to previous high-profile exhibition deals, meaning the lender\u2019s underwriting is tied directly to the fight moving forward.<\/p>\n That arrangement adds another layer of pressure for Mayweather to honor the terms of a professional rematch, particularly as questions about the bout\u2019s official status surfaced in recent weeks.<\/p>\n Mayweather\u2019s Undefeated Record Suddenly in Play<\/p>\n If the bout proceeds as a sanctioned fight, it would mark Mayweather\u2019s first professional appearance since his 2017 victory over Conor McGregor<\/a>.<\/p>\n Since then, he has largely competed in exhibition bouts, including a high-profile matchup against Logan Paul, preserving his pristine 50-0 record.<\/p>\n A return to a real fight against Pacquiao would put that record at risk \u2014 something Pacquiao openly questioned.<\/p>\n \u201cI think he\u2019s scared of losing,\u201d Pacquiao said. \u201cIf that record was ruined, what else can he leverage?\u201d<\/p>\n That dynamic has been central to the standoff, with Pacquiao pushing for a fight that carries real consequences.<\/p>\n Pacquiao Eyes Redemption After Controversial 2015 Fight<\/p>\n Their first meeting in 2015 \u2014 billed as \u201cThe Fight of the Century\u201d \u2014 remains the richest fight in boxing history, generating more than $600 million in total revenue.<\/p>\n Mayweather won by unanimous decision, but the bout drew criticism for its lack of sustained action.<\/p>\n Pacquiao later revealed he entered the fight with a torn rotator cuff, fueling years of debate over what might have happened under different circumstances.<\/p>\n Now 47, Pacquiao believes the rematch presents a chance to settle those questions.<\/p>\n \u201cThis time, there\u2019s no reason for alibis or excuses,\u201d he said on ESPN\u2019s SportsCenter <\/a>in February.<\/p>\n Pacquiao-Mayweather Rematch Moves Forward Amid High Stakes<\/p>\n The rematch is scheduled for Sept. 19 at the Sphere in Las Vegas and will be streamed globally on Netflix.<\/p>\n Pacquiao\u2019s camp has maintained that contracts were already in place for a professional bout, with executives expressing confidence that the situation would be resolved.<\/p>\n \u201cAll I can say is we are making headway on it,\u201d Mathur said. \u201cThere is a contract in place, and I think better sense will prevail.\u201d<\/p>\n And that\u2019s what happened based on Pacquiao\u2019s latest update.<\/p>\n With Mayweather now aligned on the fight\u2019s status, attention shifts to preparation \u2014 and to what could be one of the most anticipated rematches in boxing history.<\/p>\n More than a decade after their first clash, the stakes are once again massive.<\/p>\n But this time, Pacquiao insists, there will be no confusion about what\u2019s on the line.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tAlder Almo<\/a> is a veteran NBA reporter for Heavy.com, covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He brings over 20 years of experience across local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Boxing\n\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\tLoading more stories\n\t\t<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Getty Manny Pacquiao lands a punch on Floyd Mayweather Jr. during their 2015 bout in Las Vegas. 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