Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao delay Las Vegas rematch until 2027
Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather have postponed their professional boxing rematch until at least 2027 following contract disputes and a multi-million dollar lawsuit.
The two boxing greats had originally agreed to face off on 19 September at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
That lucrative contest was scheduled to be broadcast live globally on streaming platform Netflix.
However, representatives for the Filipino fighter announced on Friday that the highly anticipated event is indefinitely on hold.
A statement released by his camp placed the blame firmly on their opponent’s financial and legal entanglements.
“A volatile mix of federal lawsuits, scheduling overbooks, and financial gridlock completely surrounding the Mayweather camp [caused the postponement].”
Lawsuits and financial disputes derail event
Events company CSI launched legal action against the undefeated American last week to recover at least $4.65m (£3.52m).
The lawsuit alleges they paid the 49-year-old for exclusive rights to promote both this rematch and an exhibition bout against Mike Tyson which failed to materialise.
Consequently, an upcoming exhibition contest for the American against Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis in Athens has also been cancelled after CSI sought an injunction.
Exhibition pivot and historic rivalry
The 47-year-old Pacquiao’s team noted that should the ongoing legal disputes be settled out of court, promoters will likely pivot their focus.
They suggested the immediate goal would be rescheduling the delayed exhibition between their former rival and Tyson for 12 September.
Both headlining men share a storied history, having previously fought in 2015 during a bout billed as the ‘Fight of the Century’.
The American emerged victorious on that occasion, securing a wide unanimous decision in Nevada.
Since retiring from professional boxing in 2017 after defeating Conor McGregor, the 50-0 fighter has participated in several exhibition bouts.
Meanwhile, the eight-weight world champion officially retired in 2021 before returning last year to fight Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title.
