Pacquiao Urges Mayweather to Sign, Avoid Trouble

If there's one thing Manny Pacquiao learned while waiting over five years for Floyd Mayweather to sign for a fight during their primes, it's to make him commit first.

“Let him sign first,” Pacquiao reportedly told his representatives, who were working with Netflix and Sphere in Las Vegas. “Then I will sign too.”

Despite these conditions, and even though Mayweather has signed multiple contracts for a September rematch – a continuation of the most lucrative fight in professional boxing history – and used those contracts to secure a multi-million dollar loan, the undefeated American is once again showing his evasive and non-committal side, putting the rematch in doubt.

During a public appearance in Las Vegas late last month, Mayweather stated that the fight would be more of an exhibition and that he wasn't sure if it would even take place at Sphere. This contradicts everything he signed, according to Pacquiao and his team. After announcing that Mayweather was breaching the contracts, both sides are now waiting to see how serious his latest attempt to delay things truly is.

“I know he’s aware that the contract he signed is for a real fight. That’s how he got the advance payments from Netflix and the lender,” Pacquiao told BoxingScene during a family dinner.

Does the 47-year-old Pacquiao, an eight-division champion, believe the 49-year-old Mayweather is trying to back out to preserve his 50-0 record?

“There’s no reason to cancel it,” said Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs). “If he does – that’s his right, but there will be serious consequences. They will come from Netflix, from the organizers and sponsors, from MP Promotions. That’s why this time I insisted he sign first – because of my previous experience.”

Pacquiao recalled signing two contracts between 2010 and 2015 that were subsequently annulled, during the period when their first fight was the most anticipated in boxing.

“Before our first fight, we negotiated with him for about eight years. There were many promises, and many times I thought we were close after I had signed a contract. This went on for at least five years, with many excuses. He keeps changing his mind. You have to honor your commitments. This time, there’s no room for excuses.”

Pacquiao’s close friend and business partner, David Sison, showed a photo taken after their 2015 bout, which Pacquiao lost by scores of 116-112, 116-112, 118-110 at the MGM Grand.

The photo clearly showed surgical scars on his shoulder – an injury he fought with to avoid further delaying the historic match.

Now, older but healthy after his July draw against WBC champion Mario Barrios, Pacquiao is enthusiastic about the September 19 fight.

“The fact that I recently fought for a world title is in my favor – I worked very hard. This fight will be a victory. I’m excited because last time it wasn’t clear who was better. I had many problems and a shoulder injury… Now I feel strong and 100% ready. This is my plan. I am confident because I am calm – God has blessed me with health and strength. I can still fight.”

Whatever happens, Pacquiao expects the best version of Mayweather.

“I know Floyd. He is an extremely competitive person. He never underestimates any fight, big or small.”

While lawyers work to resolve the situation, the question arises whether Pacquiao would seek direct contact with Mayweather.

“No need – he’s already signed the contract. For what? I’m not angry, but it’s not right to cancel the fight. You have that right, but there are consequences.”

What will Pacquiao do if Mayweather pulls out?

“We have no problem – we have many options. Netflix is here. The September 19 date remains. Plan B, Plan C… many options,” he said, without naming names, although he has had discussions about fights with Rolly Romero and Conor Benn.

On Tuesday, Pacquiao departs for New York, where he will campaign at the UN for the Philippines to secure a seat on the Security Council.

“Even if I’m not in politics, I want to help my country because I love it.”

Despite the tension surrounding the Mayweather situation, Pacquiao shares that he is currently experiencing true happiness:

“The joy I feel is indescribable. God is good. When you follow God and seek His mercy and guidance, you find happiness and inner peace. I know this because that’s exactly what I feel now.”