Manny Pacquiao. AP FILE PHOTO
Despite the demands of legislative work, boxing champ Sen. Manny Pacquiao has confirmed that he will again see action inside the ring, facing World Boxing Organization welterweight titleholder Jessie Vargas in a Las Vegas return bout in November.
Pacquiao, a neophyte Senator, said the fight was firmed up after a two-hour meeting with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum Tuesday night in Makati City.
“Yes, the fight is on. I have agreed to a Nov. 5 fight with reigning WBO Welterweight champion Jessie Vargas,” Pacquiao said in a statement released Wednesday.
READ: Pacquiao plans to fight Vargas in November — report
“Boxing is my passion. I miss what I’d been doing inside the gym and atop the ring,” he said.
READ: ‘Passion’ for boxing fuels Pacquiao as he eyes comeback
He said his training will be held in the Philippines so he could still attend Senate sessions. To date, the boxer and basketball playing coach has not missed a session since Congress opened on July 25, making a new habit of attendance after being largely absent during his time as Sarangani Representative.
“My entire training camp will be held here in the Philippines so I can attend to my legislative works. This is my campaign promise and I’m determined to keep it,” Pacquiao said.
Pacquiao had earlier denied any plans of a return bout, saying legislative work was his priority. He, however, did not completely shut the door on a comeback fight, saying he would only do so when the Senate was on a break.
The Pacquiao camp said the press tour for the fight would be held from Sept. 8 to 10 in Los Angeles.
“Promotion of the fight will be held only in Los Angeles. After that, Senator Pacquiao and his team will go back home to attend to his Senate duties,” Pacquiao’s adviser, Michael Koncz, said in a statement.
Koncz was also present in the Tuesday night meeting, describing it as “smooth and cordial.”