Manny Pacquiao’s plans for the remainder of 2026 have been forced to pivot after his proposed rematch with Floyd Mayweather was pushed back indefinitely.

The eight-division world champion returned to professional boxing last year, fighting then-WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios to a draw. Pacquiao has repeatedly insisted that he is not yet finished with the sport and has been targeting one final run of high-profile fights.

A rematch with long-time rival Mayweather had been expected to headline his schedule, but those plans were put on hold after the American’s ongoing legal issues delayed negotiations.

As a result, Pacquiao’s team are now exploring alternative options to keep the Filipino icon active before any eventual meeting with ‘Money’.

Speaking to The Ring MagazineCEO of Manny Pacquiao Promotions, Jas Mathur, confirmed that the team were actively working on a new opportunity for the 47-year-old, and signalled that he believes the Mayweather fight will take place after that.

“We’re working on it. We’re looking at different options. We want to be very careful, of course – we are under contract at this time – but yes, we are working on trying to get an alternate fight or something in place for Manny at this moment. We want it to be the right opportunity with the right partners, and also so he has enough time for his camp against Floyd.”

Should he look to make a second attempt at breaking his own world record as the oldest welterweight world champion, he must target Devin Haney, Rolando Romero, Ryan Garcia or Liam Paro.

“Having 0 inside game and resorting to clinching every time you’re close to your opponent only takes you so far; some guys just don’t get the right opponent as soon as others. I’m waiting.”

Haney fired back by pointing to what he has already accomplished in boxing despite the criticism.

“If it only takes u so far.. I came pretty damn far. Very few can say they did what I did so far at my age.”

The response comes as Haney continues to face debate over his style. While he became the undisputed lightweight champion and has held world titles in two weight classes, critics have long argued that his reliance on movement, jabbing and clinching becomes more pronounced against physically stronger opponents.

Haney, 27, remains the WBO welterweight champion and is under orders to defend his title against mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis. Negotiations are expected before the sanctioning body’s deadline, although Haney has also expressed interest in other lucrative fights, including a rematch with Ryan Garcia.

His post made clear that he views his resume, not stylistic preferences, as the ultimate answer to his critics.

The exchange also reflects the divide among fans. Supporters point to Haney’s championships and undefeated résumé, while detractors continue to cite his disputed victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko and argue that his clinch-heavy approach could prove vulnerable against bigger, more physical welterweights.

Terence Crawford believes Floyd Mayweather Jr. deserves to be regarded as the greatest defensive fighter in boxing history, even ahead of fellow defensive master Pernell Whitaker.

Whitaker built his reputation on extraordinary reflexes, head movement and the ability to make opponents miss by inches during a Hall of Fame career. Mayweather later developed his own defensive style, relying on timing, positioning and his trademark shoulder roll to neutralize opponents while creating counterpunching opportunities.

Asked to compare the two legends, Crawford explained why he gives the nod to Mayweather.

“I think Floyd had the best defense in boxing history. Yeah definitely [better than Whitaker]. I’d say he got more defense than Sweet Pea because he got hit less,” said Crawford in a YouTube video.

“‘Sweet Pea’ [Whitaker] had more head movement, so was better at slipping punches and making you miss, but Floyd on defense. He’d make you pay catching counter, catching slipping, hitting you with shots you don’t see. That’s where Floyd is the master, hit and don’t get hit.”

Rather than dismissing Whitaker’s defensive brilliance, Crawford separated the two by style. He credited Whitaker with superior head movement and evasiveness but argued that Mayweather’s ability to avoid clean punches while immediately countering made his defense more complete.

Mayweather retired with a perfect 50-0 record and won world titles in five weight classes, rarely absorbing sustained punishment during his professional career. One of the few moments he appeared seriously hurt came against Shane Mosley in 2010, when he recovered from a crushing right hand before taking control of the fight and winning a unanimous decision.

Whitaker also built a reputation as one of boxing’s greatest defensive technicians, winning world championships in four divisions and producing a style that continues to influence elite fighters decades after his retirement. Crawford’s verdict simply comes down to effectiveness: Mayweather got hit less and consistently made opponents pay for every mistake.

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Last Updated on 2026/07/05 at 2:12 PM