Manny Pacquiao is setting the record straight: his upcoming rematch with Floyd Mayweather will be a legitimate professional fight, not an exhibition. After Mayweather suggested the bout be staged as a showcase, Pacquiao pushed back publicly, emphasizing the contract both fighters signed.
“Is that what he’s feeling? But he signed a real fight [smirks]. Yes, the contract that we signed is a real fight. I wouldn’t fight an exhibition. It’s a real fight. That’s the contract that he signed. He has to remember that,” Pacquiao told Fight Hub TV.
After Pacquiao revealed behind-the-scenes issue in Mayweather rematch talks, he also hinted at adjustments for the rematch, stating he has “improved and better strategy compared to the last one” and promised, “This time, no excuse.” The Filipino icon remains confident in his ability to compete at the highest level despite their previous encounter.
Adjustments and mindset for the rematch
Pacquiao’s remarks underline the tension between the fighters’ public narratives. While Mayweather’s camp leaned toward a more controlled exhibition, Pacquiao is framing the fight as a real test of skill, asserting that he has evolved and is fully prepared to face Mayweather again under professional rules.
Mario Barrios (L) hits Manny Pacquiao in the 10th round of their WBC welterweight title fight. Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Stakes and legacy
Beyond the spectacle, the rematch carries historical weight. For Pacquiao, it’s about redemption and legacy, ensuring that the fight is remembered as a genuine contest rather than a performance.
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His comments about past bouts, including Ryan Garcia’s win over Mario Barrios, reflect his focus on competition and the seriousness with which he approaches the ring.
