Weeks after it was announced that Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao would be set to meet in a professionally sanctioned rematch this September, Mayweather threw the plans into doubt. He has now provided an update following multiple ‘deadlines’ from the other side.
In mid-February, streaming giant Netflix announced that it would be streaming the second fight live from The Sphere, Las Vegas – a rematch eleven years on from the first encounter which, despite Mayweather and Pacquiao being past their prime, shattered many commercial records in the sport.
However, the American later U-turned on the announcement, saying that it was an exhibition, removing the intrigue of his 50-0 record being on the line, and that the venue was not yet finalised, meaning the futuristic Sphere may not get its first boxing card.
Pacquiao’s team has been providing regular updates since, insisting that their rival has signed a contract and even benefitted financially from the deal already. In his most recent interview, MP Promotions CEO Jas Mathur said Mayweather had a deadline of April 14, yesterday, to confirm that he will be honouring the contract for a pro bout. He also said that he was confident this would be the case, and that the fight proceeds as announced.
On deadline day, Mayweather commented on an Instagram post – now deleted but verified – by ES News that stated the fight was back on. The 49-year-old said:
“This is not true! [Media outlet] Fight Hype will be first to know after everything is worked out.”
If fans are to read into the comment – though they may see that pointless at this stage – Mayweather does seem to end on a positive note. Further updates from Pacquiao’s team are expected soon and, if the ‘will they, won’t they’ saga drags on, perhaps Netflix will get involved, too.
