Even if he has hinted at retirement numerous times, Senator Manny Pacquiao (59-7-2, 38KO) continues to stress that the time is not yet now.
In an interview with ANC’s Headstart on Wednesday morning, the 39-year-old sure hall of famer reiterated his stance that he and his camp are still looking for the best fights possible.
Has Senator Manny Pacquiao completely retired from boxing? He answers that in this #ANCRecap. #ANCHeadstart pic.twitter.com/nrM0uJofqs
— ABS-CBN News Channel (@ANCALERTS) January 17, 2018
“I am not retired yet. Alam mo na-mimiss ko yun boxing e,” Pacquiao told Karen Davilla.
“I’m still okay.”
Pacquiao, who lost his last bout against Jeff Horn last July 2, is not afraid that another loss might affect his legacy.
Pressed about who he wants to fight next, boxing’s only eight-division world champion disclosed that he is currently under negotiations with the camp of WBO Super Featherweight Champion Vasyl Lomachenko (10-1, 8KO).
“Wala akong problema kung Amir Khan. May discussion din ngayon kay Lomachenko, he is the number one pound-for-pound fighter,” Pacquiao shared.
“Hindi pa na-finalize pero this year.”
Pacquiao is eyeing an April date for the bout, as it will be the time the senate goes on a break.
“This year, by April. Pangako ko sa mga tao na hindi maapektuhan ang trabaho ko. April, magandang idea dahil off kami from March 23 to May 13. April wala kaming trabaho,” a confident Pacquiao added.
“Three months is more than enough time to prepare.”
However, there is still one hindrance to the bout, according to Pacquiao. The two camps have yet to agree on which weight class the bout will be held.
According to reports, Lomachenko wants the bout to be at lightweight — a division Pacquiao has not been in for the last 10 years.
“Hindi pa sure. Nag-uusap pa about sa timbang.”
One thing is for sure — Pacquiao is hungrier than ever.
