Eleven years after fighting through a shoulder injury, Manny Pacquiao vows “no more excuses” ahead of his September 2026 rematch with boxing great Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas.
Manny Pacquiao made his message clear ahead of the September boxing rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr.: No more excuses.
Eleven years after losing via unanimous decision to the American boxer in their record-setting 2015 bout, Pacquiao said he intends to enter the ring this time without the physical limitations that hampered him in their first meeting.
“I learned a lot from that fight. I think we’ve become more mature now and know how to handle it. I'm hoping this time around there are no more excuses, especially regarding my condition and everything,” Pacquiao said in an interview on ESPN’s SportsCenter.
It can be remembered that Pacman later disclosed that he fought through a shoulder injury in their first encounter, a bout that became the highest-grossing fight in boxing history but drew criticism for failing to meet expectations.
Now more than a decade removed from that night, the Filipino icon said the opportunity for a professionally sanctioned rematch came after Mayweather decided to return to the professional ranks.
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“It just happened that I’m still active in boxing and he came out of retirement and decided to do it again. So I’m very excited for the fight,” Pacquiao said.
The former eight-division world champion returned to the professional ring last year and fought then-WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios to a draw.
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Meanwhile, Mayweather Jr. has largely confined himself to exhibition bouts since retiring in 2017.
Pacquiao also revealed that the rematch nearly took a different route.
“Before, he wanted an exhibition with me, but I disagreed. I want a real fight like this. This is it. This is what I’ve been waiting for,” the former eight-division world champion revealed.
Both fighters are nearing 50, but Pacquiao dismissed concerns about age and preparation.
“We’re both disciplined fighters. We take care of our bodies and work out almost every day. I still can fight. I feel like I’m still young. Nothing changed,” the 47-year-old boxing icon bared.
Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.