EIGHT-DIVISION world champion, Fighter of the Decade and Philippine senator Manny Pacquiao is ripped and ready to go after the WBO welterweight title currently held by Jessie Vargas.
The former champion Pacquiao and current champion Vargas clash at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas on Nov. 6 (Manila time) in an eagerly awaited title fight, with the Top Rank card spiced up by the WBO super bantamweight title defense of Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire against unbeaten Jessie Magdaleno.
The fights will be telecast on ABS-CBN Sky Cable and Cignal pay-per-view and on Solar Sports and GMA 7.
Former WBO/WBA flyweight champion Brian Viloria will be one of the TV panelists, alongside Mike Ochosa, now a Philippine boxing judge and this reporter/columnist of the Manila Standard, philboxing and boxing scene.com and host of Viva Sports’ top-rating weekly show “The Main Event.”
Pacquiao’s longtime adviser and confidant Michael Koncz told Manila Standard that “training was very good. Manny sparred six rounds with many-time sparring partner Ray Beltran. Manny is 100 percent ready for the fight.”
Speaking to members of the media after a light public workout the day before, Pacquiao said: “It took discipline to manage my time effectively, to balance my training camp and my senatorial duties. I feel good. Everyday, I was able to get in all my training.”
He added: “I ran every morning and did my strength and conditioning with Justin Fortune. I worked with Freddie every evening at the gym after work. There were some days where I would have to come in later if my work in the Senate demanded I stay longer. Between the two jobs, I was averaging 14-hour workdays. Luckily, the gym was very close to the Senate so I didn’t have to deal with traffic. I had no real free time to be with friends.”
Pacquiao said he is now well-rested.
“I arrived in the US Saturday evening and today, I feel I have recovered from my jet lag. I sparred six rounds yesterday [Tuesday with Ray Beltran]. I will spar Thursday, Saturday and Monday before driving to Las Vegas.”
Pacquiao revealed: “We have three different plans for Jessie Vargas. My first concern is for the fans, that the people who are going to watch the fight will be happy and satisfied. I want this to be a fight for fans to remember.”
The Filipino ring icon said he is fighting for history.
“I was the first sitting congressman to win a world title. For this one, it is not enough to be the first sitting senator to fight for a world title, I want to be the first senator to become world champion. For me, that would be quite an accomplishment,” he said.
The fighting senator also added he wants to be prove that he is still one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world today.
“I feel I still have a lot to prove. I am not done with boxing. I will continue to keep fighting as long as I love boxing and boxing still loves me. I do not feel old. I feel like I am still 27.”
Pacquiao will be 38 this December.
“I do not underestimate Jessie Vargas. He is a good strong champion. You cannot fight at this level and be successful by underestimating your opponent. Every opponent gets my full attention and respect. I respect Jessie and that is why I trained hard. This is the most important fight because it will determine the direction of my boxing career. I need to win convincingly,” said Pacquiao.