MANILA, Philippines — Manny Pacquiao remains firm that his long-awaited rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. will push through, expressing full confidence that the bout is still set for September 19 at The Sphere in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao said he is “100% confident” the fight will happen despite Mayweather’s recent remarks casting doubt on the event’s final details and labeling it as an exhibition match.
Mayweather earlier told a US sports outlet that the venue has not been finalized and questioned whether the fight would be held at The Sphere, adding uncertainty over the nature of the bout.
The Filipino boxing icon, however, strongly rejected the exhibition label, stressing that both sides agreed to a legitimate professional fight.
“When I heard Mayweather say it was an exhibition, I immediately asked my team what was going on,” Pacquiao said in an interview. “What we signed is a real fight, not an exhibition.”
Pacquiao also emphasized that contracts have already been signed and advance payments released, saying there is no possibility of cancellation.
The fight—reportedly set to stream on Netflix—would mark a sequel to their 2015 showdown, where Mayweather defeated Pacquiao via unanimous decision in one of boxing’s most lucrative bouts.
At present, Pacquiao is 47 while Mayweather is 48. Both fighters have been inactive in professional competition in recent years, although Mayweather has participated in exhibition bouts since retiring with a 50-0 record.
Pacquiao’s camp also said discussions are ongoing to resolve contract concerns following Mayweather’s comments, expressing confidence that the issues will be settled soon.
ia/xf
