Boxing
Pacquiao expects Mayweather to delay talks again
The Filipino veteran says the current uncertainty over their proposed rematch reminds him of the long period between 2010 and 2015 when multiple attempts were made to finalize the fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. they repeatedly failed when they seemed close to completion.
Pacquiao said that period left a lasting impression and shaped his perception of the latest round of negotiations.
“We had been dealing with him for about eight years before the last fight. There were so many promises and I remember all the times when I signed the contract thinking this was the one,” said Manny Pacquiao. “It went on for at least five years with multiple alibis.”
Even after signing contracts for a September rematch, Pacquiao does not consider this fight to be safe and sound. Mayweather’s recent public comments describing the fight as an exhibition and questioning the venue of the event have introduced novel uncertainty.
By calling it an exhibition, Floyd is protecting his 50-0 legacy. If it’s just for fun, failure won’t officially ruin his perfect record. Pacquiao is 47 years elderly and trying to stay ready to fight, which is much more tough to maintain on a moving target date than for a younger fighter.
Mayweather has always been the one calling the shots. Changing the venue or rules at the eleventh hour is his way of reminding everyone who the A-side is.
Floyd is 49 years elderly and Manny is 47. With each month of delay, the interest of ordinary fans decreases. Mayweather, however, may believe that the do/won’t-do drama will actually generate more buzz around a possible Netflix broadcast than a silky, professional rollout.
“He keeps changing his mind. You have to honor your commitment. This time there is no reason for an alibi or excuses,” Pacquiao said.
Pacquiao’s frustration is completely genuine, and honestly, it’s demanding to blame him for his directness. When he says there’s “no reason for an alibi or excuse,” he’s basically calling Floyd’s bluff in front of the whole world.
Manny focuses on his reputation as the people’s champion who fights anyone, anywhere. Publicly invoking an “alibi”, he tries to push Floyd into a corner. He knows that if it fails now, the public narrative will completely shift to Mayweather as the one who will skip a legitimate professional rematch in favor of a low-risk event.
The excuse narrative has followed Pacquiao for years. Do you remember the conversation about the shoulder injury after the fight in 2015? By using this particular word “alibi”, he effectively flips the script. He positions himself as a veteran who has outgrown the drama, while suggesting that Floyd is still stuck in the same manipulation patterns he used ten years ago.
Looks like Manny is done with the dance partner routine. He puts the ball in Floyd’s court: either he shows up for a real fight at The Sphere, or he admits to the world that the nickname “TBE” (The Best Ever) comes with a few strings attached.
The WBO champion quickly accepted a fight with Davis after the challenger rose to the top of the rankings
Devin Haney wasted no time reacting after Keyshawn Davis was elevated to No. 1 in the WBO welterweight rankings. The champion publicly welcomed the matchup, posting a low message on social media shortly after the updated rankings were released.
Let’s do it KEYSHAWN.. https://t.co/plq9hqQpBP
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) June 3, 2026
This is absolute theater and to look at it like everything else is to succumb to the promotional machine. The moment the WBO rankings dropped and Keyshawn took the No. 1 spot, Haney knew the clock was ticking.
Had he remained still or tried to minimize Keyshawn’s 147-pound inexperience, the boxing world would have immediately labeled him a shirker. By jumping on X and immediately matching the energy, he completely obfuscates this narrative. He begins to look like a fearless champion who is ready for everyone, knowing full well that posting on social media doesn’t cost a penny or require a contract.
The reality of the situation suggests that this is a calculated public relations move rather than a genuine desire for several different reasons:
- Financial reality: Haney always strives for the highest possible bottom line. While the Keyshawn fight is in high demand among die-hard fans, it doesn’t compare to the massive payday of a potential rematch with Ryan Garcia or the other blockbuster pay-per-view opportunities that are likely at the top of his wish list.
- Mandatory timeline cushion: Haney knows how bodywork mechanisms turn. Even with the WBO expected to order a mandatory challenge this summer, negotiations, price offers and promotional extensions could add months to the schedule. He has plenty of time to consider other options before the real pressure comes.
- Risk versus reward: Fighting a adolescent, hungry and highly skilled fighter like Keyshawn, who has never even fought at welterweight, is a hazardous proposition in a title defense when there are much more lucrative, established names on the market.
Haney’s quick response was a great defensive move outside the ring to protect his brand. He gave fans an exhilarating quote they wanted to see, but when it comes to actual network deals, promotional arrangements and guarantees, the energy will likely change. On social media it’s uncomplicated to say “Let’s do this”; it’s a completely different story when the contract is sitting on your desk.
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Last updated: 2026/06/03 at 1:58
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