“The fight is contracted as a professional fight. It was never an exhibition,” Mathur told Boxingscene. “He is currently in violation. He must provide written confirmation by tomorrow that he intends to cure it.”
Mathur said the deal was structured entirely around an approved competition, including financial guarantees and projected stream numbers. He added that Mayweather had already accepted advances related to the deal and was now trying to change the terms after those commitments were made.
“There are multiple violations across the board,” Mathur said. “He wanted a pro fight when he signed the contracts and took the deposits. Now he wants to change that.”
Pacquiao’s side rejected any suggestion of turning the bout into an exhibition. Mathur said the terms of the agreement do not allow for that change, and the interest on their part remains tied only to a professional fight.
Despite online reports suggesting the event had been called off, Mathur said no cancellation had been issued. The fight remains scheduled, but it depends on Mayweather providing written confirmation that he will go ahead under the original terms.
If that confirmation is not delivered within the required window, the rematch may be drawn before it reaches the ring.
Despite the attitude, it’s hard to see Mayweather walking away from this. Here’s why:
The “Binding Agreement”: Jas Mathur was not shy in pointing out that performance contracts are already in place. Netflix is ​​not a traditional promoter; they have massive legal resources and a global brand to protect. If Floyd embarks on their first major boxing venture, the legal fallout will be unprecedented.
The money: With a projected $600 million in revenue and a gate that could rival their 2015 record, the “Money” persona won’t let that kind of payday slip away on a technicality.
Most industry insiders expect him to provide the written confirmation at the eleventh hour. If Floyd really refuses to fight professionally, Pacquiao’s camp has been extremely firm: No professional fight, no rematch.
