Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are set to meet again on September 19 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, marking Mayweather's first professional fight since retiring in August 2017 after beating Conor McGregor. Mayweather describes the upcoming bout as an exhibition, but the event is clouded by controversy. Jas Mathur, CEO of Manny Pacquiao Promotions, says Floyd Mayweather Jr. signed three different agreements for a professional fight, not an exhibition. Mathur says Floyd Mayweather Jr. took an advance on his purse for the fight against Manny Pacquiao. Mathur describes the situation as a breach of contract and says it is being handled through legal channels. It remains unknown whether the rematch will ultimately be held as a professional fight or an exhibition, and the current status of the legal proceedings is unclear.
Mayweather, 49 and undefeated, is returning after retiring nine years ago, while Pacquiao, 47, ended his four-year retirement last year. Mayweather won their 2015 fight by unanimous decision. Pacquiao returned to boxing in July 2025 and fought Mario Barrios to a majority draw for the WBC welterweight title. Mayweather says he 'still has what it takes to set more records'.
He knows what he signed.
Since retiring, Mayweather has fought exhibition bouts against Logan Paul, Aaron Chalmers, and John Gotti III. He is also scheduled to fight Mike Tyson in an exhibition bout next month in the Congo. Mike Tyson says the fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. will not have a weight limit. However, Tyson has picked up an injury and was seen sporting a cast. The severity and how it might affect the upcoming fight are unknown.
Concerns have emerged about Mayweather's financial situation. As of February 2026, Mayweather has a net worth of £74 million ($100 million), according to Celebrity Net Worth, while Pacquiao has a net worth of £163 million ($220 million), according to reports. A recent report by Business Insider suggested Mayweather’s widely publicised fortune may be overstated, citing liens, outstanding debts, foreclosures and heavily leveraged assets. It is unknown whether these reported financial issues have any direct impact on his boxing commitments or the upcoming fights.
Dignity. Integrity. That’s what matters.
Mayweather remains confident in his abilities, while Pacquiao has re-established himself in the ring.
What we signed is a real fight. I know that he knows what he signed. ... We signed both, and I hope he honors it.