Full Breakdown
Pacquiao vs. Mayweather II Postponed Over Lawsuits
6/29/2026, 12:47:59 AM
Postponement of the Highly Anticipated Rematch
The bout between Manny Pacquiao (47) and Floyd Mayweather (49) scheduled for Saturday, 19 September at the Sphere in Las Vegas was postponed. The earliest new date could be early 2027. The cancellation follows legal and financial complications surrounding Mayweather’s promotional arrangements.
Background and Immediate Catalysts
Pacquiao, a twelve-time world champion, retired in 2021 and returned in 2025, drawing with former WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. Mayweather, unbeaten in 50 fights, retired in 2017 and has taken part in exhibitions, including a bout against Conor McGregor. Their 2015 bout ended in a unanimous decision for Mayweather.
Principal Parties Involved
The principal parties are Manny Pacquiao (Manny Pacquiao Promotions), Floyd Mayweather (Mayweather Promotions), CSI Sports Events (which paid Mayweather $4.65 million for exclusive rights to the Pacquiao rematch and a planned exhibition with Mike Tyson), Jas Mathur (CEO, Pacquiao Promotions), and Mike Tyson (potential exhibition with Mayweather).
Financial and Scheduling Disputes
CSI alleges Mayweather breached an exclusive-rights contract by agreeing to an exhibition with Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis on 27 June while still under obligation to CSI. CSI sued to recover at least $4.65 million, the advance for the Pacquiao rematch and a Mayweather-Tyson exhibition that never materialised. The Pacquiao camp called it “a volatile mix of federal lawsuits, scheduling overbooks, and financial gridlock completely surrounding the Mayweather camp.”
Official Statements & Responses
Pacquiao’s camp said the postponement stems from legal and logistical challenges and noted that settling the CSI dispute could allow a Mayweather-Tyson exhibition on 12 September. Jas Mathur, speaking to *The Ring*, confirmed the Pacquiao-Mayweather II fight will not occur in September and that Pacquiao is exploring other opponents later this year.
Criticism & Opposition
CSI’s lawsuit frames Mayweather’s actions as a breach of contract, accusing him of double-booking exclusive promotional rights and highlighting tension over exhibition revenue.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the original date, with one citing “Saturday, 19 September” without a year and another only “September.” The timeline for a Mayweather-Tyson exhibition remains unclear pending the dispute resolution.
Verbatim Quotes
- “a volatile mix of federal lawsuits, scheduling overbooks, and financial gridlock completely surrounding the Mayweather camp” — Pacquiao camp
- “Should Mayweather and CSI settle their internal contract disputes out of court, promoters will immediately pivot to rescheduling a postponed exhibition between Mayweather and Mike Tyson, tentatively targeting 12 September,” — Pacquiao camp
- “Manny Pacquiao Promotions CEO Jas Mathur tells The Ring that Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao II will no longer be going forward in September.” — Jas Mathur, CEO
- “Pac Man has also begun exploring other possible options for his next fight later this year.” — Jas Mathur, CEO
Outlook
If CSI and Mayweather settle out of court, promoters plan a Mayweather-Tyson exhibition for 12 September. Pacquiao’s team is also scouting alternative opponents for a late-2024 fight, keeping him active.
