LOS ANGELES (AP) 鈥� let the setting speak before he said a word.
Inside a boxing gym once tied to in the heart of Hollywood, Pacquiao walked past a partially finished ring, pointing toward future placements for heavy bags and glancing at a larger-than-life image of his rival that will soon be taken down. The space, which is set to open this summer, already carries its new identity: Pacquiao Prime Boxing.
The timing adds another layer.
Pacquiao and Mayweather are Sept. 19 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, a rematch more than a decade after their record-setting 2015 bout. In recent days, attention around the fight has centered on how it will be presented, with while Pacquiao points to the terms he agreed to.
Representatives for Mayweather did not respond to requests for comment.
鈥淗e knows what he signed,鈥� Pacquiao said in an interview with The Associated Press this week, offering a steady, matter-of-fact view as he continues preparation for the bout. It comes down to principle for the Filipino boxer, who last year. The 49-year-old undefeated Mayweather nine years ago.
鈥淒ignity. Integrity,鈥� Pacquiao, 47, said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what matters.鈥�
How Pacquiao鈥檚 team is responding to the contract dispute
Behind the scenes, the focus has shifted from how the fight is being described to how it moves forward.
Jas Mathur, CEO of Manny Pacquiao Promotions and a producer on the event, said the bout is anchored by multiple signed agreements, and that those terms remain clear. He said Mayweather was well aware
鈥淣ot one, not two, but three different agreements,鈥� Mathur said. 鈥淗e signed all of them.鈥�
According to Mathur, those agreements outline a professional fight, not an exhibition, and include financial commitments already in motion. His comments come amid broader questions surrounding Mayweather’s plans, including previously reported bouts and against kickboxer Mike Zambidis 鈥� which could complicate the agreement.
鈥淗e took an advance on his purse,鈥� Mathur said. 鈥淓verything is black and white.”
Mathur described the situation as a breach of contract, pointing to public comments that differ from the signed terms. He added that the matter is now being handled through legal channels as both sides work toward a resolution.
鈥淭here are consequences that come with that,鈥� Mathur said.
Pacquiao’s focus remains steady. But for him, the situation comes down to clarity and commitment.
鈥淲hat we signed is a real fight,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 know that he knows what he signed. … We signed both, and I hope he honors it.鈥�
Pacquiao takes a jab at Mayweather with legacy in mind
When asked what it would signal if the bout does not move forward as planned, Mathur did not hesitate.
鈥淗e鈥檚 a chicken,鈥� he said.
Standing beside him, Pacquiao responded in his own way, letting out a brief 鈥渂awk, bawk, bawk鈥� while flapping his arms, drawing laughter from both.
Beyond the immediate stakes of the fight, Pacquiao also addressed the broader conversation surrounding legacy, including how greatness is defined in boxing. It’s a discussion that has long included both him and Mayweather.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 even claim myself as the greatest,鈥� said Pacquiao, who noted he鈥檚 the only fighter to win titles across four decades. 鈥淚 let the people say who is the greatest.鈥�
Why take over Mayweather鈥檚 gym, and why now?
Taking over a space once associated with Mayweather, especially in the lead-up to a high-profile rematch, carries a natural layer of symbolism. But Pacquiao and his team framed the decision through a different lens.
While standing in front of Mayweather鈥檚 image 鈥� one that will soon be replaced 鈥� Pacquiao described a new direction for the space as one centered on performance rather than accessibility.
The facility will operate as a private training center for professional fighters, athletes and select guests. There are plans to expand the model across major markets.
Mathur pointed to location and visibility as key drivers behind the decision, noting the volume of daily traffic through the Hollywood corridor. At the same time, he suggested the opportunity reflects a broader shift in approach tied to the previous business connected to Mayweather鈥檚 brand.
鈥淭here was a chance to build something much bigger,鈥� Mathur said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e looking at this differently.鈥�
Pacquiao said he wants to create opportunities for the next generation of fighters while expanding his footprint in the sport.
鈥淭his is our passion,鈥� he said. 鈥淭o build more boxing gyms and help develop fighters.鈥�
How Pacquiao is building beyond the ring
Beyond the fight, Pacquiao and his team are building with a broader vision in mind.
From fighter development under Manny Pacquiao Promotions to new training hubs through the Hollywood gym, the focus extends well past the ring.
Mathur, who partners with Pacquiao across multiple ventures, described a strategy centered on long-term growth, including efforts to bring Pacquiao鈥檚 established business footprint from Asia into the United States and beyond.
鈥淢anny is actively involved,鈥� Mathur said. 鈥淭his is about building something bigger.鈥�
That vision also includes ventures in financial technology, highlighted by Manny Pay 鈥� a digital wallet platform the team is working to expand internationally 鈥� along with media and consumer products tied to Pacquiao鈥檚 global reach.
In a space being rebuilt for what comes next, Pacquiao is moving forward with focus. He said the balance between business and boxing remains clear.
鈥淏oth,鈥� he said, when asked what drives him now. 鈥淲e’re focused on this fight, and building our own businesses.鈥�
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