Manny Pacquiao says it will be a great honour to step into the boxing ring as a senator. The eight division champion retired back in April and then won a senatorial seat the following. By June he was already making plans to return to the sport.
Pacquiao is training in Los Angeles ahead of a fight against WBO welterweight champion Jesse Vargas, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, on November 5.
The 37-year-old has been juggling his return to boxing with his political work as a senator in his native Philippines, but said work distractions would not affect his performance in the ring.
“I tell you the truth, it’s not easy. Time management… Discipline yourself. I have commitment to the people who voted me, who trust me,” said Pacquiao.
“It can be very difficult if you are not disciplined, but I feel good. Every day I was able to run in the morning and then train after the senate session.
“The gym is very close to the senate. It is important to win this fight convincingly to prove that I am still there.”
Trainer Freddie Roach said Pacquiao is in good shape.
“His work ethic is still the greatest I have ever seen,” Roach said. “I am amazed that after 15 years of working together he still has that passion.
“He’s beating the mitts and beating his sparring partners. He still has the speed and power. Manny will punch this guy out.”
Pacquiao has a career record of 58 wins, including 38 by knockout, six losses and two draws.
