Pacquiao insists Mayweather fight for real, shuns exhibition insinuation

As far as Manny Pacquiao is concerned, his scheduled rematch with Floyd Mayweather on September 19 is a real fight, not an exhibition as his fellow ring legend claimed.

“That’s the contract that we signed,” Pacquiao said shortly after arriving in Los Angeles, California, on Wednesday, April 1 (Thursday, April 2, Manila time) from the Philippines.

Pacquiao clarified to debunk Mayweather’s assertion that their supposed fight at The Sphere in Las Vegas is an exhibition, and, therefore, the American’s 50-0 record wouldn’t be at stake.

“That’s what he’s feeling, but the contract that we signed is [for] a real fight,” said Pacquiao, who flew in with his wife Jinkee to watch Pedro Taduran’s defense of the International Boxing Federation minimumweight belt against Mexican Gustavo Perez Alvarez, and his son Jimuel’s second pro fight against Darric Gates on April 3 at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California.

Pacquiao also dismissed insinuations that the welterweight bout would be shelved because Mayweather changed his mind.

“We signed the contract already. So, there’s no reason for the fight not to push through,” said Pacquiao, who’s aching to avenge his unanimous decision loss to Mayweather in their “Fight of the Century” on May 2, 2015, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao added that he’s not inclined to fight Mayweather in an exhibition.

If Mayweather insists that their rematch be treated as an exhibition, he stands to face charges for breach of contract, according to reports. – Rappler.com