Manny Pacquiao has released an official statement clarifying that his proposed rematch with Floyd Mayweather is intended to be a fully sanctioned professional fight.

The eight-division world champion decided to address what he called disinformation about the event while he was in Los Angeles this week promoting the second professional competition of his son Jimuel Pacquiao.

Pacquiao appeared composed during recent media appearances on the fight card, but the statement suggests growing frustration in his camp as uncertainty surrounds Mayweather’s rematch.

Pacquiao’s statement

Pacquiao said: “I want to clear up any misinformation regarding my upcoming fight with Floyd Mayweather.

“From the beginning, my intention has been to give the fans what they really want to see. A high-level, competition-sanctioned fight. I want to make it very clear that the contract we have signed is for a professional boxing match. This is not an exhibition, this is a real fight.”

“We are proud to partner with Netflix, a global platform that recognizes the scale of this event. Their announcement reflected the exact terms of our agreement. My team and I remain fully committed to the terms of this agreement and are preparing to battle at a professional level.”

“Now I’m working difficult, I’ve started training in the gym and I can’t wait to get back in the ring to prove that the fire is still there. Nothing has changed from our side and we expect that the original terms of the contract will be honored.”

Growing frustration

Pacquiao’s statement comes amid an increasingly complicated situation surrounding the event.

As previously reported by World Boxing News, Pacquiao spoke to the media after arriving in Los Angeles on Thursday, as debate raged over whether the fight could be downgraded to an exhibition.

As things stand, Manny Pacquiao Promotions CEO Jas Mathur maintains that Mayweather has signed contracts to fight professionally and has already received payments related to the event.

There is also uncertainty because Mayweather doubts the professional status of the rematch, which is contrary to Pacquiao’s position.

Financial stakes

Pacquiao’s insistence on competing professionally comes from more than just competitive pride.

If the fight were to gain exhibition status, the financial structure of the event could change significantly.

If Mayweather had not put his undefeated record on the line, the sports stakes surrounding the rematch would have been lower and the overall value of the event could have decreased.

Visit to Los Angeles

Pacquiao’s presence in Los Angeles is of great importance to his family due to the return of his son Jimuel for his second professional fight. The 25-year-old is trying to rebound from a majority draw in his debut at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula.

Despite the attention surrounding his son’s development, conversations about Pacquiao continue to turn to Mayweather’s situation.

For now, Pacquiao’s message remains straightforward.

According to him, the contract has not changed, and in his camp it is expected that the long-discussed rematch will be a real professional fight rather than a spectacle.

About the author

Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Read the full biography.