Jake Paul Blames Egos for Mayweather-Pacquiao Rematch Delay

The YouTuber-turned-boxer says the lack of professionalism in boxing is holding up the highly anticipated fight.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:55am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a boxing match between two figures, their forms fragmented and abstracted into sharp, overlapping planes of navy, red, and gold.The egos and lack of professionalism in boxing have once again delayed a highly anticipated rematch between two all-time greats.Las Vegas Today

Jake Paul has criticized the ongoing negotiations between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao for a rematch of their 2015 'Fight of the Century,' saying the lack of professionalism and big egos in boxing are to blame for the delay in finalizing the fight.

Why it matters

The first Mayweather-Pacquiao fight generated record revenue, and there has been significant public demand for a rematch between the two boxing legends. However, the behind-the-scenes negotiations have stalled over smaller details like ring size and glove choice, highlighting the challenges of making major fights happen in the sport of boxing.

The details

According to Jake Paul, the key issues holding up the Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch are the 'egos' of those involved and an overall lack of professionalism in boxing. Paul says that minor details like what shoes the fighters can wear and what gloves they can use have become sticking points, preventing the two sides from finalizing a deal. He believes the large number of decision-makers involved in boxing deals often creates friction, with competing interests pulling negotiations in different directions and delaying progress on major events.

  • The first Mayweather-Pacquiao fight took place in 2015.
  • Negotiations for a rematch have been ongoing for over a decade.
  • The latest proposed date for the rematch is September 19, 2026 at The Sphere in Las Vegas.

The players

Floyd Mayweather Jr.

A retired professional boxer who is considered one of the greatest fighters of his era, having won multiple world championships in five weight classes.

Manny Pacquiao

A retired professional boxer from the Philippines who is considered one of the greatest fighters of his generation, having won world championships in eight different weight classes.

Jake Paul

A YouTuber-turned-boxer who has been critical of the lack of professionalism in the sport of boxing.

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What they’re saying

“This is the problem with boxing, people in the sport who aren't professional, it makes us all look bad. There are so many egos. People think that they're bigger or better than they are multiple times.”

— Jake Paul, Boxer

“It all comes down to things like ring size, what shoes you can wear, what gloves you can use. It's like, stop and just fight.”

— Jake Paul, Boxer

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.