‘No way we’re going to cancel this fight’: Manny Pacquiao convinced Floyd Mayweather rematch will happen

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 07: Manny Pacquiao reacts after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before the game between the New York Yankees and the Athletics at Yankee Stadium on April 07, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After recent reports of a rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao came into serious doubt, Pacquiao has spoken out to express his confidence that the sequel will in fact take place. Pacquiao most notably says his confidence stems from the fact that both fighters have a signed contract with Netflix, with both also taking advance money on the bout.

“We both signed the contract and we both got our advance on our purses, so there’s no way we’re going to cancel this fight,” Pacquiao told ESPN on Monday. “Even with our first fight, he’s a lot do deal with, but the fight happened.”

Pacquiao continue on to say that after Mayweather came out to publicly say the fight was intended as an exhibition, he immediately went to seek clarification from his team and knows that they’ve assuredly penned a deal for a legit, professional match. With that in mind, Pacquiao doesn’t really understand Mayweather’s attempt to spin it any other way but the sides have since been in contact with one another since, and are working towards resolving that aspect.

For now, Pacquiao says he’s excited to rematch Mayweather as The Sphere, on Netflix, in front of what he expects to be an even bigger audience this time around.