“The fight is contracted as an expert fight. It was never an exhibition,” Mathur said to Boxingscene. “He’s in breach straight away. He has to supply written confirmation by tomorrow that he intends to cure it.”
Mathur said the deal was structured entirely around a sanctioned contest, including financial guarantees and projected streaming figures. He added that Mayweather has already accepted advances connected to the agreement and is now attempting to vary the terms after those commitments were made.
“There’s multiple breaches across the board,” Mathur said. “He wanted a professional fight when he was signing the contracts and taking the deposits. Now he wants to modify it.”
Pacquiao’s side has rejected any proposal to convert the bout into an exhibition. Mathur said the terms of the agreement don’t allow for that change, and the interest from their side stays tied only to an expert fight.
Despite online reports suggesting the event had been called off, Mathur said no cancellation has been issued. The fight stays scheduled, however it is dependent upon whether Mayweather provides written confirmation that he’ll proceed under the unique terms.
If that confirmation just isn’t delivered inside the required window, the rematch risks being pulled before it reaches the ring.
Despite the posturing, it’s hard to see Mayweather walking away from this. Here is why:
The “Binding Agreement”: Jas Mathur hasn’t been shy about stating that executed contracts are already in place. Netflix isn’t a standard promoter; they’ve massive legal resources and a world brand to guard. If Floyd tanks their first major boxing enterprise, the legal fallout could be unprecedented.
The Money: With a projected $600 million revenue and a gate that would rival their 2015 record, the “Money” persona won’t let that form of payday disappear over a technicality.
Most industry insiders expect him to supply the written confirmation on the eleventh hour. If Floyd truly refuses to fight professionally, Pacquiao’s camp has been extremely firm: No skilled fight, no rematch.