Although Netflix announced the pair will fight a second time on September 19 in a professional bout at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Mayweather recently said their rematch is purely an exhibition.

"It's an exhibition, so we're both winners," Mayweather told several reporters last weekend. "I mean, we just want to go out there and entertain the people and put on a good show."

However according to Pacquiao, that's far from the truth.

"He signed for a real fight," the 47-year-old responded to that update when talking with reporters. "The contract that we signed is for a real fight. I wouldn't fight an exhibition. Maybe he thinks I'm going to take him lightly."

After a 10th-round stoppage of former UFC two-weight world champion Conor McGregor in August 2017, Mayweather retired with a perfect 50-0 record and Pacquiao was belatedly on his resume two years earlier. Their much-anticipated first meeting didn't live up to the hype, though he boxed his way to a 12-round points win.

Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) accepted defeat, but never agreed with the decision. The former eight-division champion has claimed on numerous occasions since that he should have prevailed while detailing he wasn't at his physical peak, citing a torn rotator cuff and lacking power in his right hand as a consequence.

This time around, the recent WBC welterweight title challenger believes things will be different.

"I have a better strategy," Pacquiao continued. "This time, no excuses."

Pacquiao himself retired in 2021 after a 12-round decision defeat by Yordenis Ugas that August, before turning back the clock and surprising many to end his retirement before delivering a spirited showing despite a 12-round majority decision draw against then-champion Mario Barrios last July.