Rookie senator Manny Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, confirmed Wednesday morning that his return bout to the sport against Jessie Vargas has already been set in stone.
“Yes, the fight is on. I have agreed to a November 5 fight with reigning WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas,” Pacquiao said in a statement his office released.
Vargas (27-1, 10KO) is no slouch of an opponent however. The American only lost once, to Pacquiao’s last opponent Timothy Bradley.
With this, the senator reiterated that his training for the November 6 (Philippine time) bout will not interfere with his legislative work.
“My entire training camp will be held here in the Philippines so I can attend to my legislative works,” he stressed.
“This is my campaign promise and I’m determined to keep it.”
For his part, Pacquiao said that his return is due to his need to “earn for his family.”
“Boxing is my main source of income. I can’t rely on my salary as public official,” Pacquiao furthered. “I’m helping the family of my wife and my own family, as well.”
“Many people also come to me to ask for help and I just couldn’t ignore them.”
The bout is currently in the final stages of negotiation as Top Rank’s head honcho Bob Arum is currently in Manila. The promoter visited the upper chamber of congress Wednesday afternoon.
