Pacquiao Calls Out Mayweather for Wanting Rematch to Be Exhibition

The two boxing legends are set to meet again in a highly anticipated rematch on Netflix.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Manny Pacquiao has accused Floyd Mayweather of initially wanting their upcoming rematch to be an exhibition match, rather than a real professional fight. Pacquiao says he disagreed with Mayweather's proposal and insisted on a legitimate bout, as he wants to hand Mayweather his first professional loss. The two are set to meet on September 19th, over a decade after their first fight in 2015 which Mayweather won by unanimous decision.

Why it matters

This rematch between two of the greatest boxers of their era has been highly anticipated by fans for years. Pacquiao is looking to avenge his previous loss and tarnish Mayweather's perfect 50-0 professional record, while Mayweather was apparently hoping to keep the fight as a mere exhibition. The outcome could cement the legacy of one of these all-time boxing greats.

The details

Mayweather and Pacquiao first fought in May 2015 in a bout billed as the "Fight of the Century", which Mayweather won by unanimous decision. Mayweather then fought two more times, beating Andre Berto and Conor McGregor, before retiring. However, he has recently announced a return to boxing, including an exhibition match against Mike Tyson. Pacquiao, now 47 years old, also took a break from boxing but made a comeback in 2025 and is currently 62-8-3 in his professional career.

  • Mayweather and Pacquiao first fought on May 2, 2015.
  • Mayweather announced he will be coming out of retirement to box regularly following an exhibition match against Mike Tyson in the spring.
  • Pacquiao made a comeback to boxing in July 2025.

The players

Manny Pacquiao

A legendary Filipino boxer who has won world titles in eight different weight classes. He is currently 62-8-3 in his professional career.

Floyd Mayweather

One of the greatest boxers of his generation, with a perfect 50-0 professional record. He is coming out of retirement for this rematch against Pacquiao.

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What they’re saying

“Floyd and I gave the world what remains the biggest fight in boxing history. The fans have waited long enough — they deserve this rematch, and it will be even bigger now that it will be streamed live globally on Netflix.”

— Manny Pacquiao (on3.com)

“I want Floyd to live with the one loss on his professional record and always remember who gave it to him. As always, I dedicate this fight to my fellow Filipinos around the world and to bringing glory to the Philippines.”

— Manny Pacquiao (on3.com)

What’s next

The highly anticipated rematch between Pacquiao and Mayweather is set to take place on September 19th, 2026 and will be streamed live globally on Netflix.

The takeaway

This rematch between two all-time boxing greats has been years in the making and will provide fans with another chance to see Pacquiao potentially hand Mayweather his first professional loss, cementing his own legacy as one of the sport's all-time best.