“He wanted that”: Manny Pacquiao refused one condition for Floyd Mayweather rematch

Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather are set for a professionally sanctioned rematch in September, eleven years on from their first meeting.

In 2015, Mayweather took a unanimous decision on the cards in what is still the highest grossing boxing bout of all time. The fight had marinated for around six years and was underwhelming to many fans. A rematch when both are close to 50 years old won’t right that wrong, but there’s little doubt that it will generate significant interest.

Whilst Pacquiao made a professional return last year – fighting to a draw with then WBC welterweight world champion Mario Barrios – Mayweather has only stepped through the ropes for exhibitions since 2017.

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‘PacMan’ told Sports Center that when his rival decided to return to the pro ranks, the return fight was immediately on the table.

“It just happens that I’m still active in boxing and he came out from retirement. So, he decided to do it again. This is it. I’m so excited for the fight.”

The Filipino fighting icon fought with a shoulder injury at the MGM Grand in 2015, and hopes this time around, despite being well past his prime, he will be fresh to deliver an exciting main event.

“I learnt a lot from that fight, way back in 2015. We’ve become mature now and [know] how to handle it. I hope that it will happen again like the way it was in 2015 – the experience – not really 100%, but [close.] I’m hoping this time around no excuses, especially to my condition.”

The fight has added intrigue given Mayweather will put his precious undefeated record on the line, but Pacquiao revealed that he had first tried to avoid that by making the bout an exhibition.

“Before, he wanted an exhibition with me. I disagree. I don’t want to fight an exhibition with him. I want to fight a real fight like this. This is it. This is what [I’ve been] waiting for.”

Netflix will stream the fight live from The Sphere, Las Vegas on September 19. Mayweather’s record will either notch upwards to 51-0, or remain at 50 wins if Pacquiao can turn back the clock.

Netflix officially announces Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao 2 with date and venue

The rematch is official. Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will meet again.

Mayweather and Pacquiao fought in 2015 following around six years of demand for the match-up. Mayweather won a unanimous decision and would go on to retire undefeated two years later. Pacquiao fought on up until 2021, albeit with a two-year break from 2019, and retired on a loss to Yordenis Ugas. He returned to the paid ranks last year, fighting then WBC welterweight world champion Mario Barrios to a draw.

This week, ‘Money’ Mayweather revealed that he would be making a professional return following an exhibition bout with Mike Tyson in April. It came not long after Pacquiao had confirmed his own exhibition against former champion Ruslan Provodnikov for the same month.

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Now, Netflix has officially announced that the two rivals will meet for a second time, over a decade on from their initial encounter, at The Sphere, Las Vegas on September 19.

The futuristic arena, which opened in 2023 just off the Strip, has hosted the UFC and major entertainment events, but is yet to stage a professional boxing card. A September rematch between two of the sport’s biggest commercial forces would mark its first foray into the sweet science – and likely do so on an unprecedented scale.

Mayweather has long prided himself on breaking gate and pay-per-view records, while Pacquiao’s global fanbase remains one of boxing’s most loyal. With Netflix’s accessibility and existing subscriber base, the rematch – a professionally sanctioned contest – can surpass the record-breaking 4.5 million homes of the 2015 bout.

If that first fight was criticised for being over-marinated, a 49-year-old Mayweather and 47-year-old Pacquiao will do little to make that wrong right, but there’s no doubt that the boxing world will stop to watch come September.

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Pound-for-pound great Floyd Mayweather Jr. could be set to end a nine-year hiatus from the ring and return to the professional scene next year, after collapsed talks for a world title contest have opened the door for a lucrative opportunity.

Mayweather hung up the gloves following a stoppage win against Conor McGregor in the famous ‘Money Fight’ between the respective superstars of boxing and mixed martial arts back in 2017.

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Since then, ‘TBE” has fought solely in exhibitions and raked in further cash, but a return to professional fighting has been mentioned continuously, especially after the comeback of perennial rival Manny Pacquiao in the summer.

Pacquiao could only muster a draw upon his return, coming extremely close to dethroning Mario Barrios and claiming the WBC welterweight title despite an extended period of inactivity.

Still, the Filipino icon had been linked to another world title bout, with strong suggestions that an announcement for a meeting with WBA champion Rolando Romero was imminent.

However, it is now understood that talks for that scrap have collapsed and that ‘Rolly’ will instead be made to fulfil his mandatory and attempt to defend his belt against Uzbekistan’s Shakhram Giysaov.

Speaking with The Ring, Giyasov’s manager, Vadim Kornilov, explained that he and his fighter would have been willing to wait for their shot, if the fight between Pacquiao and Romero was going ahead.

“I don’t think an exception works when there’s no fight and it’s not announced,”

“If [the Romero-Pacquiao fight] was happening, that’s one thing; we have a lot respect for a fight like that and for Pacquiao especially.

“But when there is no fight, I believe that rules have to be followed and Rolly has to fight Giyasov. I never understand why some fighters get exceptions and don’t have to fight their mandatories.”

As a result, Mayweather can now be considered as the frontrunner for Pacquiao’s next outing, after months of whispers that the pair will meet again over a decade on from their initial encounter.

WBN reveal fresh updates on the upcoming Mayweather vs Pacquiao II, including potential Netflix distribution and fan-first experiences.

The rematch is targeting a late spring timeframe, and organizers are building a multi-fight rollout designed to engage fans through 2026.

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Distribution Options Under Discussion
A spokesperson for Indistry, the company leading promotion for the rematch, told WBN:

“Discussions are currently ongoing with several distribution partners, including Netflix, which is a strong option. However, Indistry is also looking at other distribution partners that align with our vision for delivering a distinctly different, fan-forward experience around boxing.”

Venue Not Yet Confirmed
The official venue for the rematch has not been announced. Indistry clarified:

“Cannot confirm the venue yet. Given the scale of the event, we’re evaluating spaces that can support the broader experience we’re building around the fight, in addition to hosting the bout itself. We’ll announce the venue once it has been selected.”

Pacquiao’s Multi-Fight Rollout
The spokesperson also confirmed plans for Manny Pacquiao’s upcoming schedule, according to WBN’s exclusive reporting:

“The immediate priority is the Mayweather rematch. Following that, Indistry will build out Manny Pacquiao’s next multi-fight lineup with a strategic rollout through 2026.”

This confirms that the rematch is the first in a sequence of events designed to maintain fan engagement throughout 2026 and beyond.

Indistry is leading the promotion to ensure the next phase of Pacquiao’s career is executed with the company’s experience in live sports and lifestyle events.

Next Steps for Fans
With the rematch still targeting a late spring timeframe, the combination of distribution discussions, venue planning, and the multi-fight rollout highlights the scale and ambition of the project.

Fans should watch for additional announcements soon, with Netflix and other platforms potentially providing access, making this rematch both a distinctive cultural event and a sporting occasion. – If you use these WBN quotes, please link back to the source: https://www.worldboxingnews.com/mayweather-pacquiao-ii-netflix-option/

Manny Pacquiao appears to be standing at a crossroads.

On one hand, there’s the inaugural U.S. event of his venture, Manny Pacquiao Promotions. But more significantly, he seems anxious about the professional debut of his son, Emanuel “Jimuel” Pacquiao.

The 24-year-old recently became a father. Probably that explains why Manny sounded a bit uncertain when asked about the possibility of a rematch with Floyd Mayweather.

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The prospect of a second fight between the two boxing legends continues to capture the public’s imagination. Given their age, retirements, and post-retirement lives, many remain cautious. However, a few still long for a definitive conclusion to a saga widely viewed as unfinished. Their title fight a decade ago was expected to be a classic, but instead proved underwhelming. Most remember the ‘Fight of the Century’ more for its financial success than its excitement. Floyd Mayweather walked away with the win, but with reports of Manny Pacquiao suffering a shoulder injury and adopting a cautious strategy, many felt their rivalry deserved another chapter to settle lingering doubts. Still, judging by Pacquiao’s latest comments, fans can only hope that Pacquiao vs. Mayweather II eventually materializes.

Manny Pacquiao tight-lipped on Mayweather rematch

At the pre-fight event at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California, Fight Hub TV’s Michelle Joy Phelps caught up with the Filipino boxing icon. Getting straight to the point, she asked about the possibility of a rematch with Floyd Mayweather.

Boxing’s only eight-division world champion seemed slightly uneasy. “I don’t know; I’m just no comment for…. I’m still active, but let’s see.” But Phelps pressed further, asking Pacquiao for a tentative timeline fans could look forward to.

Again, his response was evasive. “I don’t know,” Pacquiao said, prompting Phelps to burst into laughter. He gave a similar answer in an earlier interview. Speaking about his post-retirement career and the rumored rematch, he remained cautious: “Right now, God is good; he is giving me strength so I can continue my career as a boxer.” When asked whether Mayweather would be his first choice for a comeback fight, he simply replied, “It depends.”

“I’m a fighter, so I’m not ducking anybody,” Pacquiao stated.

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In fact, he had already hinted at his intentions months ago when he returned from a four-year hiatus to face champion Mario Barrios. Continually asked about a potential rematch with Mayweather, Pacquiao shot back during the post-fight press conference, “If he comes out, then go sign the contract, and we will fight,” after a reporter wondered whether his dominant performance might entice Mayweather back into the ring.

“I mean, let’s fight again if he wants. I have no problem with that. I’m active now. I don’t pick my opponent,” Pacquiao added.

Just days before the bout, a tweet from respected boxing journalist Lance Pugmire drew significant attention. He wrote, “Went over to @FloydMayweather Boxing Club upon my arrival today in Vegas for @MannyPacquiao fight week; was told to expect Floyd to attend with two fighters on the card. “Conversations are already happening … if Manny wins, this (rematch) could be worth billions,” I was told.”

Months later, another report emerged indicating that Mike Coppinger had received information suggesting Mayweather-Pacquiao II could potentially land on Netflix in 2026, further fueling speculation.

Still, as Pacquiao reiterated in his latest interview, the rematch remains uncertain. Fans will have to stay tuned as more information unfolds in the coming months.

Floyd Mayweather, boxing’s undefeated icon, remains characteristically silent amid renewed chatter about a potential rematch with Manny Pacquiao.

Known for his cautious approach to rumors, Mayweather has consistently warned the media and fans alike: “If you don’t hear it from me first, then don’t believe it.” True to form, he has not uttered a single word regarding Pacquiao’s latest claims that negotiations for a 2026 showdown are underway.

Pacquiao Pushing for a Rematch
Manny Pacquiao, the 46-year-old Filipino legend, has been openly discussing a return to face Mayweather. Speaking from Manila in his role as Vice President of the International Boxing Association (IBA), Pacquiao confirmed that discussions are ongoing.

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“I’m open [to the rematch with Mayweather Jr.] and there’s an ongoing negotiation. I am speaking [to my team] every day. If that negotiation goes well and the fight materializes, then we will announce the rematch,” he said.

Pacquiao also hinted at timing and location, suggesting a likely April 2026 bout in Las Vegas, potentially under the IBA Pro World Title banner. The Filipino star emphasized that he is fit and ready, having recently defeated WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, and dismissed any lingering concerns about his shoulder from previous fights.

Mayweather Weighs Money Over Legacy
While Pacquiao actively engages with the media about the rematch, Mayweather’s silence speaks volumes. Reports indicate that the five-division world champion is monitoring opportunities, from exhibitions with Mike Tyson to other ventures, with profit often dictating his decisions.

The logic is simple: a rematch with Pacquiao could never eclipse the record-breaking 2015 “Fight of the Century,” which generated over 4.6 million pay-per-view buys and more than $600 million in revenue. However, a sequel in 2026 could set new benchmarks in streaming viewership and earnings, particularly with platforms like Netflix or other major broadcasters involved.

Undoubtedly, Mayweather will want to maintain his reputation as the ultimate opportunist in the sport.

Past Negotiations and Obstacles
Efforts to stage a sequel to MayPac 2015 have been ongoing for years. Offers from Saudi Arabia and Japan all stalled due to logistical hurdles, streaming rights, and financial terms. WBN firmly believes that both fighters remain open to the idea under the right conditions, yet no finalized agreement has been reached.

One complication is Mayweather’s careful protection of his unbeaten 50-0 record. A professional bout carries risk, which makes exhibitions more attractive unless the financial package is overwhelmingly lucrative.

Exhibitions vs. Professional Fights
Pacquiao has also floated the possibility of an exhibition against retired eight-weight world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko. However, he stressed that his focus is on a real fight with Mayweather:

“There’s a negotiation with Lomachenko for an exhibition. It would be just an exhibition, not a real fight. But the Mayweather thing that we are negotiating right now is a real fight.”

For Mayweather, the choice between an exhibition with Tyson and a blockbuster rematch with Pacquiao seems obvious — the latter offers a nine-figure payday and a chance to revisit one of boxing’s most profitable rivalries.

Legacy, Cash, and Timing
With Pacquiao ready and willing, the ball is in Mayweather’s court. Fans and promoters alike are anxiously waiting to see if “Money” Mayweather will finally break his silence and commit to what could be the most lucrative rematch in combat sports history.

Until then, the legendary champion remains true to his mantra: unless it comes directly from him, it’s just speculation. And in the world of Floyd Mayweather, rumors are never worth acknowledging publicly — only verified deals and signed contracts command his attention.