Pacquiao Team Claims Mayweather Violated Rematch Contract

Organizers say Mayweather's recent comments and upcoming exhibition fight are breaches of their agreement.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The highly anticipated rematch between boxing legends Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao has hit a snag, with Pacquiao's team claiming Mayweather has violated their contract. Jas Mathur, CEO of Manny Pacquiao Promotions, says Mayweather's recent comments about the fight being an exhibition and his plans for another exhibition match are clear breaches of their agreement. Mathur also alleges that Mayweather has already taken an advance on his purse for the rematch, scheduled for September 19 at the new Sphere venue in Las Vegas.

Why it matters

The Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch has been one of the most anticipated boxing events in recent years, and any contractual disputes could jeopardize the fight and disappoint fans who have been waiting for a sequel to their 2015 record-breaking bout. The allegations of Mayweather violating the terms of the deal also raise questions about the transparency and professionalism of the fight's organization.

The details

According to Mathur, Mayweather has claimed the upcoming rematch is an exhibition, which directly contradicts the contract the two camps have signed. Mathur also says Mayweather's plans for an exhibition fight with Mike Zambidis in June are another violation of their agreement. Mathur insists the fight is still on as a professional bout, and that a site visit with both camps and Netflix at the Sphere venue in Las Vegas has already taken place.

  • The Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch is scheduled for September 19, 2026.
  • Mayweather is set to have an exhibition fight with Mike Zambidis in June 2026.

The players

Floyd Mayweather

A retired professional boxer who is considered one of the greatest fighters of all time, with an undefeated record of 50-0.

Manny Pacquiao

A Filipino professional boxer and politician who is considered one of the greatest boxers of his era, with a career record of 62 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws.

Jas Mathur

The CEO of Manny Pacquiao Promotions, the company organizing the Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There is no termination of any sort, and he has signed for a professional fight. Floyd Mayweather is officially in breach of his contract. He's been in a breach since the day he went out and said what he said on Saturday and he's officially in a breach as of yesterday.”

— Jas Mathur, CEO, Manny Pacquiao Promotions

“We put this together to put on something that the fans would love and would be a massive sports event. We wanted to do something that makes history and he [Mayweather] wants to come around and try to change terms last minute because he thinks he can. No, he can't. Not happening.”

— Jas Mathur, CEO, Manny Pacquiao Promotions

What’s next

The judge overseeing the contract dispute between Mayweather and Pacquiao's teams is expected to rule on the matter in the coming weeks, which could determine whether the highly anticipated rematch will proceed as a professional fight or be changed to an exhibition.

The takeaway

This contractual dispute highlights the challenges of organizing high-profile boxing matches, even between two of the sport's all-time greats. It raises questions about the transparency and professionalism of the fight's organization, and whether the interests of the fans and the integrity of the sport will be prioritized.