Manny Pacquiao denies plan to go on leave from Senate to train for next fight

After his fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr and Timothy Bradley, Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao announced in 2015 his retirement from boxing. Following his win in the May 9 election as senator, Pacquiao said he would concentrate on legislation, but promoter Bob Arum claimed on Tuesday that Pacquiao plans to go on leave to prepare for his next fight.

However, on Wednesday, the newly elected senator issued a statement, which he posted on Facebook, denying he plans to go on leave from his Senate duties to fight again. He stresses, “I want to make it clear – my priority is my legislative works.”

Although Pacquiao does not discount the possibility of returning to the ring – similar to Mayweather who expressed willingness to “unretire” if the price is right – he says the next fight has not even been discussed yet. Even if he boxes again, Pacquiao assures it would not interfere with his Senate duties.

“When I ran for senator last May 9 elections, I made a promise to be present in all sessions. I owe it to the people,” the 36-year-old eight-division title holder says. Before his election as senator, Pacquiao was congressman for the province of Sarangani but was often absent to train for his fights. Many Filipinos, despite appreciating his boxing victories, spoke against his absences in Congress, although despite the misgiving, Pacquiao still won.

Some of those who voted for Pacquiao say the cast their ballots for the boxer because with his wealth, he used it to help his constituents, and he would not be corrupt. Many Filipinos perceive local politicians as corrupt, which is not without basis since a number of senators and congressmen are facing graft and corruption charges for allegedly conniving with Janet Lim-Napoles, the Pork Barrel scam queen.

The senator adds that if he decides to fight again, he would ensure the date would be during Congress’s recess so he would not need to go on leave. Trainings would also be done in the Philippines to ensure he still could attend Senate sessions while training.

Arum discloses Top Rank is talking with Al Haymon as the possible opponent of Pacquiao since American boxer Adrien Broner has been removed from the list because he priced himself out, reports Pep.ph.

Pacquiao, who was the wealthiest congressman in the last session, emphasises, “Politics, to me, is a vocation not a means to eke out a living. I want to maintain that belief. I want to keep my dignity intact while in public service.”

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