I want the belt, says Pacquiao

In this photo taken on September 29, 2016, Philippine boxing icon Manny Pacquiao trains at a gym in Manila, ahead of his November 6 bout with Mexican boxer Jessie Vargas.
Pacquiao insisted September 30 he owed his fans and countrymen no apology after admitting to having used illegal drugs. / AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBE

HOLLYWOOD–Renowned for his blurring speed, Manny Pacquiao shrugged off Jessie Vargas’ boast that he’d be the faster guy on the ring. on Nov. 5.

“I will prove him wrong,” said Pacquiao, who admitted that there was one instance in 1998 that he felt outhustled by his opponent, during his media workout Wednesday at Wild Card Gym here.

Despite that given edge and perceived stronger power punches, however, Pacquiao expects Vargas to offer stubborn resistance in defense of the World Boxing Organization welterweight crown.

“He’s a champion and I’m the challenger, so I must be physically, mentally and spiritually ready (to succeed),” said Pacquiao.

A future Hall of Famer and all-time great, Pacquiao isn’t lacking in motivation to turn Vargas into a locomotive train.

Pacquiao, the lone eight-division world champion, three-time fighter of the year and Fighter of the Decade (2000 to 2009), wants to embellish his ring legacy further.

“I want to become the first active senator to become champion,” said Pacquiao. “I want the belt.”

That’s understandable as he was its previous owner in 2009 and 2014, snaring it from Miguel Cotto and Timothy Bradley, respectively.

Though a huge favorite to beat Vargas, Pacquio said he’d poured it all during his seven-week training in Manila and polishing week in Los Angeles.

For another, Pacquiao said he’s no stranger to Vargas’ style as the Mexican-American has fought in the undercard in one of his fights in the United States

“I know his style well,” said Pacquiao, who insists that he can still go as low as 135 pounds and a little over 147, but not at 154.

For now, however, Pacquiao would rather focus on the task at hand.

Prove Vargas wrong.