Cloverdover13

I have gone around island 6 and found the meowth at various locations. I have followed it back to the Waterpath, where there are three poison gang members who I am supposed to fight. When I try to initiate the battle, they say 'what do you want...' and nothing happens. I cannot progress past this point. I don't know if it is a glitch or if I have missed something. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!