Published on: April 7, 2026, 10:42h.
Updated on: April 7, 2026, 10:42h.
- A high-profile Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch at the Sphere is embroiled in a significant legal dispute over contract violations.
- Floyd Mayweather Jr. asserts that the match is an exhibition, in direct opposition to signed contracts for a professional contest.
- Promoters indicate potential damages in the nine-figure range as legal proceedings determine the fate of the September event.
It appears that the previously announced September 19 rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao at the Sphere may not be as finalized as believed. Behind the scenes, the event is evolving into a legal confrontation of its own.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. faced Manny Pacquiao in their welterweight title clash on May 2, 2015, at MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, where Mayweather secured victory by unanimous decision. (Image: Al Bello/Getty) Recently, Manny Pacquiao Promotions CEO, Jas Mathur, informed the Las Vegas Review‑Journal that Mayweather is violating contractual terms by characterizing the fight as an exhibition and raising concerns regarding the venue. Mathur stated, “There are severe repercussions… It’s a matter of eight to nine-figure damages.”
Mathur emphasized that Mayweather entered into three contracts, accepted deposits, and even secured a loan against his purse, which reinforces his obligations. He added that the documentation is comprehensive, with verified digital and physical signatures.
Controversial Statements
The legal issue traces back to comments made by Mayweather during an autograph signing event on March 28 at Caesars Palace, where he declared: “We don’t know the exact location of the fight… This isn’t actually a fight; it’s an exhibition.” These statements contradicted the Netflix announcement depicting the event as a sanctioned rematch and the Sphere’s promotional materials.
This matchup was contracted as a professional bout, in stark contrast to the exhibition events both fighters have participated in recently — putting Mayweather’s pristine 50-0 record on the line. It was branded as the inaugural professional boxing event at the Sphere, which adds to its promotional appeal.
Pacquiao has responded, asserting that the terms of their contract are explicit: “Absolutely, the contract we signed describes a legitimate fight… He needs to bear that in mind.” He reiterated to several news outlets: “No exhibitions. It’s either a legitimate fight or no fight at all.”
Mathur noted that Mayweather’s upcoming exhibition against retired kickboxing champion Mike Zambidis also breaches the agreement. He communicated to ESPN that the rematch was intended as a significant international event, emphasizing that Mayweather cannot alter the terms at the last moment.
As reported by the Review‑Journal, Mayweather had an April 3 deadline to affirm his commitment to the agreement, followed by a 14-day period for rectification. However, the production schedule for the Sphere necessitates clarity within approximately 45 days. Mathur did not exclude the possibility of replacing Mayweather if needed.
He cautioned that confidentiality may not be maintained if the dispute escalates: “It’s like Floyd claiming the car is black while it is clearly white… This is a definitive situation. It is undeniably a professional fight.”
So far, Netflix, the Sphere, and Mayweather have not released any further comments as the situation transitions to legal proceedings.