Pacquiao takes over Mayweather’s old gym ahead of 2026 Rematch
Manny Pacquiao has taken over a boxing gym once associated with longtime rival Floyd Mayweather Jr., adding fresh intrigue ahead of their highly anticipated rematch later this year.
The facility, located in Hollywood, is being transformed into Pacquiao Prime Boxing, a private training hub set to open this summer.
The timing of the takeover is hard to ignore. Pacquiao and Mayweather are scheduled to face off again on September 19 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, more than a decade after their record-breaking 2015 fight.
Inside the gym, Pacquiao walked past a partially completed ring and pointed out future upgrades, while a large image of Mayweather, soon to be removed, served as a reminder of their enduring rivalry.
Dispute over fight terms
Tension surrounding the rematch has grown in recent days, particularly over how the fight is being classified. Mayweather has publicly described the bout as an exhibition. However, Pacquiao and his team insist otherwise.
“He knows what he signed,” Pacquiao said, emphasizing that the agreement outlines a professional fight.
Jas Mathur, CEO of Manny Pacquiao Promotions, revealed that multiple contracts were signed, all pointing to a sanctioned bout with financial commitments already in place.
- Three separate agreements reportedly signed
- Advance payment already made
- Legal processes now underway
The situation has raised the possibility of a contractual dispute if terms are not honored.
Legacy, Pride, and Mind Games
Beyond contracts, the rivalry still carries emotional weight. Pacquiao kept his response measured but clear, stressing values like integrity and accountability. His team, however, was more direct, publicly questioning Mayweather’s intentions.
In a lighter moment, Pacquiao even mocked the situation playfully, underlining the psychological edge both fighters are trying to gain ahead of the bout.
A New Chapter: Pacquiao Prime Boxing
While the fight dominates headlines, Pacquiao’s gym project signals a broader vision. The Hollywood facility will function as an exclusive training centre for Professional fighters, Elite athletes, and select private clients.
Unlike traditional gyms, it will focus on high-performance training rather than public membership. Pacquiao also revealed plans to expand the concept globally, aiming to create more opportunities for upcoming fighters.
Building beyond Boxing
The gym is just one part of Pacquiao’s expanding business ecosystem. Through Manny Pacquiao Promotions and other ventures, he is pushing into Fighter development, Media and branding, and Financial technology (including digital wallet platform Manny Pay)
His team describes the strategy as long-term, with ambitions to grow his brand footprint beyond Asia into the United States and global markets.
What this means for the rematch
The combination of business moves and contractual tension adds another layer to an already historic rivalry. Whether the fight proceeds as a professional bout or exhibition remains unresolved, but the stakes are clearly rising.
For Pacquiao, the focus appears steady:
Honor the agreement, settle the dispute, and prepare for one more defining chapter against a familiar opponent.
SportsLigue
