Pacquiao: 'Wala namang magbabawal sa akin na mag-absent ako'
MANILA, Philippines – Boxer-turned-senator Manny Pacquiao reiterated that he will try his best to keep his promise to refrain from absenteeism, even as he also plans to make a boxing comeback later this year.
Asked on Wednesday night if he intends to keep his promise that he will no longer be a habitual absentee, Pacquiao said: "Sinisikap natin 'yan."
"Dahil unang-una," Pacquiao added, "wala namang magbabawal sa akin na mag-absent ako."
"Pero ang goal ko talaga ay magampanan ang trabaho ko," he added.
Pacquiao admits he was challenged by those who had criticized his record as a congressman and plans to use this as motivation.
"I am challenged doon sa nag-criticize sa akin," he said. "So nagpapasalamat ako sa nag-criticize sa akin. Parang na-challenge ako."
"Nakaya ko ngang maging champion sa boxing dahil sa disiplina ko, 'yan pa kaya na hindi ako mabubugbog?" he pointed out.
Pacquiao, who watched Mahindra's upset of San Miguel Beer on Wednesday evening, said he will make sure that his comeback fight – tentatively scheduled for November 5 –will not get in the way of his Senate duties.
"I want to make sure na 'yung bakasyon ng session, matapat doon, so October hanggang November," he said.
The "Pacman" had previously asked former Senate President Franklin Drilon if he can still go back to the ring, and was advised to schedule his upcoming fight during the break at the Senate.
"His commitment is that he will not neglect his duties as a Senator, and I take his word for that," Drilon said.
Pacquiao willing to face Crawford, claims Arum
Boxing champion and Senator Manny Pacquiao has no issue about meeting rising prospect Terence Crawford inside the ring, claimed his promoter Bob Arum.
The WBO junior welterweight champion is deemed to be a “high risk-low reward” for Pacquiao, but Arum said his ward is willing to give Crawford a chance.
"I've talked to Manny and he is willing to give [Terence the] opportunity," said Arum in Boxing Scene.
"But first Terence has an important commitment to fulfill before he can receive [that opportunity]. Manny has already said yes."
Arum is referring to Crawford’s title unification bout against WBC champion Viktor Postol on Saturday.
Arum’s claim ran contrary to Michael Koncz’s previous statement which gave no indication about Pacquiao wishing to fight Crawford.
“He has been very busy with his senatorial duties,” said Koncz. “Crawford is not even a thought and never was.”
Pacquiao retired from boxing last April after winning a 12-round unanimous decision in his trilogy fight with Timothy Bradley.
The eight-division former world champion has said he would like to focus on his job as a full-time politician.
Pacquiao, however, recently fueled talk of a boxing comeback.
"Boxing is always my passion and I grew up (as a boxer). The Lord helped me (make) a name in boxing history," he told Agence France-Presse.
Pacquiao added he was still physically fit to return to the ring. "I am still strong. I am still young," he said.
The WBO junior welterweight champion is deemed to be a “high risk-low reward” for Pacquiao, but Arum said his ward is willing to give Crawford a chance.
"I've talked to Manny and he is willing to give [Terence the] opportunity," said Arum in Boxing Scene.
"But first Terence has an important commitment to fulfill before he can receive [that opportunity]. Manny has already said yes."
Arum is referring to Crawford’s title unification bout against WBC champion Viktor Postol on Saturday.
Arum’s claim ran contrary to Michael Koncz’s previous statement which gave no indication about Pacquiao wishing to fight Crawford.
“He has been very busy with his senatorial duties,” said Koncz. “Crawford is not even a thought and never was.”
Pacquiao retired from boxing last April after winning a 12-round unanimous decision in his trilogy fight with Timothy Bradley.
The eight-division former world champion has said he would like to focus on his job as a full-time politician.
Pacquiao, however, recently fueled talk of a boxing comeback.
"Boxing is always my passion and I grew up (as a boxer). The Lord helped me (make) a name in boxing history," he told Agence France-Presse.
Pacquiao added he was still physically fit to return to the ring. "I am still strong. I am still young," he said.
Pacquiao urged to stay away from Crawford
Is Terence Crawford bad news for Manny Pacquiao? Photo from Crawford's Instagram account
Manny Pacquiao’s former boxing trainer Rick Staheli has weighed in on the neophyte Philippine senator’s plans to return to the boxing ring just a few months after announcing his retirement from the sport.
Pacquiao is reportedly mulling a comeback on November 5 possibly against Terence Crawford, who recently unified the WBO and WBC junior welterweight belts by dominating Viktor Postol.
“Stay away from Crawford,” said Staheli in Ronnie Nathanielsz’s report to Boxing Scene.
Staheli, who coached the Filipino to his first world title win in 1998, feels that Crawford is ia high-risk, low-reward fight for the 37-year-old Pacquiao.
The 28-year-old American dazzled Postol with his speed and this is something he could do against Pacquiao, warned Staheli.
“It’s not going to be easy for anybody to go out there and beat this guy. Crawford is going to be tough to beat,” Staheli saod.
But Pacquiao’s former trainer thinks boxing promoter Bob Arum will pit the Filipino against Jessie Vargas, who currently owns the WBO and WBA welterweight titles.
“In the end, I have a sneaking suspicion that Bob Arum will pick Jessie Vargas” he said.
“There’s a title there. Bob keeps it in-house. Vargas wants the payday but he won’t beat Manny.”
Manny Pacquiao attends Mahindra's game against San Miguel in the PBA Governors Cup. Photo by Josh Albelda, ABS-CBN Sports.
MANILA -- Barely four months since his boxing retirement, eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny Pacquiao is all set to make his comeback in the fight game.
And for those wondering why the change of heart for the Pacman, he finally gave his explanation.
No, it's not about the money.
"Aminin ko ah, boxing is my passion," Pacquiao said.
"Diyan ako lumaki, hilig ko talaga yan. Nami-miss ko yung boxing," he added.
Of course, there's the thrill of winning for the Philippines, something Manny has been doing since Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was the President of the Republic.
"Karangalan ko na nagbibigay ako ng honor sa ating bansa. Boxing is my vocation," the fighting senator said.
With another fight looming, Pacquiao is making sure the entire process won't hinder his duties in the Senate.
"Basta hindi ma-apektuhan yung pagta-trabaho ko, yan ang sinisigurado ko," Pacquiao said who is the chairman of the committee on public works.
"Ayoko ma-apektuhan yung pagse-serbisyo ko sa taong bayan at for the mean time, edi kumikita ako para sa pamilya ko. Ayokong gamiting livelihood yung pagse-serbisyo ko because what I believe is government is a public service, not a professional business," he added.
Boxing in the end, is too close to the heart of Pacman.
"Syempre kikita ka pag lumaban ka eh, pero hindi yan talaga ang dahilan. Kumbaga, yan [boxing] ang passion ko eh. Iba ang pakiramdam," he said.
Manny Pacquiao’s former boxing trainer Rick Staheli has weighed in on the neophyte Philippine senator’s plans to return to the boxing ring just a few months after announcing his retirement from the sport.
Pacquiao is reportedly mulling a comeback on November 5 possibly against Terence Crawford, who recently unified the WBO and WBC junior welterweight belts by dominating Viktor Postol.
“Stay away from Crawford,” said Staheli in Ronnie Nathanielsz’s report to Boxing Scene.
Staheli, who coached the Filipino to his first world title win in 1998, feels that Crawford is ia high-risk, low-reward fight for the 37-year-old Pacquiao.
The 28-year-old American dazzled Postol with his speed and this is something he could do against Pacquiao, warned Staheli.
“It’s not going to be easy for anybody to go out there and beat this guy. Crawford is going to be tough to beat,” Staheli saod.
But Pacquiao’s former trainer thinks boxing promoter Bob Arum will pit the Filipino against Jessie Vargas, who currently owns the WBO and WBA welterweight titles.
“In the end, I have a sneaking suspicion that Bob Arum will pick Jessie Vargas” he said.
“There’s a title there. Bob keeps it in-house. Vargas wants the payday but he won’t beat Manny.”
Pacquiao reveals reason for boxing return
Manny Pacquiao attends Mahindra's game against San Miguel in the PBA Governors Cup. Photo by Josh Albelda, ABS-CBN Sports.
MANILA -- Barely four months since his boxing retirement, eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny Pacquiao is all set to make his comeback in the fight game.
And for those wondering why the change of heart for the Pacman, he finally gave his explanation.
No, it's not about the money.
"Aminin ko ah, boxing is my passion," Pacquiao said.
"Diyan ako lumaki, hilig ko talaga yan. Nami-miss ko yung boxing," he added.
Of course, there's the thrill of winning for the Philippines, something Manny has been doing since Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was the President of the Republic.
"Karangalan ko na nagbibigay ako ng honor sa ating bansa. Boxing is my vocation," the fighting senator said.
With another fight looming, Pacquiao is making sure the entire process won't hinder his duties in the Senate.
"Basta hindi ma-apektuhan yung pagta-trabaho ko, yan ang sinisigurado ko," Pacquiao said who is the chairman of the committee on public works.
"Ayoko ma-apektuhan yung pagse-serbisyo ko sa taong bayan at for the mean time, edi kumikita ako para sa pamilya ko. Ayokong gamiting livelihood yung pagse-serbisyo ko because what I believe is government is a public service, not a professional business," he added.
Boxing in the end, is too close to the heart of Pacman.
"Syempre kikita ka pag lumaban ka eh, pero hindi yan talaga ang dahilan. Kumbaga, yan [boxing] ang passion ko eh. Iba ang pakiramdam," he said.
Pacquiao insists boxing comeback not about money
A photo posted by Manny Pacquiao (@mannypacquiao) on Jul 17, 2016 at 7:22pm PDT
MANILA, Philippines – Senator Manny Pacquiao insisted his upcoming return to boxing is not just for financial reasons, but has more to do with how he has missed the sport that made him one of the most famous athletes in the world.
Pacquiao retired in April after beating Timothy Bradley via unanimous decision, and won a seat in the Senate in the May elections.
Three months after his retirement, however, talks of a comeback popped up, and his promoter, Top Rank chief executive Bob Arum, has already reserved the Thomas & Mack Center for November 5 for the "Pacman."
He has yet to announce an opponent.
"Hindi ko naman sinasabi na final na," Pacquiao said of his fight. "Sinabi ko na hindi ko pa nakausap si Bob Arum."
But Pacquiao, who watched his Mahindra Enforcer team stun San Miguel Beer in the PBA Governors Cup on Wednesday night, admits that he truly misses fighting.
"Boxing is my passion," he said. "Diyan talaga ako lumaki at hilig ko talaga 'yan. Nami-miss ko 'yung boxing. Pangalawa, karangalan ko na nagbibigay ako ng honor sa ating bansa."
Boxing, Pacquiao noted, is also his profession and how he earns money to support his family.
"Sa pagse-serbisyo ko, wala naman akong balak na mag-nakaw o ano," he said. "In fact, sarili kong pera ang ginagastos ko para makatulong ako sa kababayan nating naghihirap."
"Ayaw kong maapektuhan 'yung pagta-trabaho ko, pagse-serbisyo ko sa taong bayan," he added. "For the meantime, kumikita ako ng para sa pamilya ko, at ayaw kong gamitin na livelihood 'yung pagse-serbisyo ko sa government."
"I believe that government is public service, not personal business," he stressed.
Asked why he intends to fight again even though boxing has already made him a very rich man, Pacquiao said: "Hindi rin naman iisa lang ang dahilan. Siyempre kikita ka 'pag lumaban ka, pero hindi 'yan talaga ang dahilan."
"Kumbaga, 'yan ang passion ko eh," Pacquiao said of boxing. "Parang nalulungkot ako na… minsan, pag lumalaban ka sa taas ng ring, winawagayway mo ang bandila ng Pilipinas, tapos lahat ng tao naka-suporta sa 'yo, iba 'yung pakiramdam."
Pacquiao, however, made it clear that he will ensure his fight will not get in the way of his duties as a senator, and that he intends to train in a gym close to the Senate before and after sessions.
"I just want to make sure na 'yung bakasyon ng session, matapat doon ('yung fight), so October hanggang November," he said.
MANILA, Philippines – Senator Manny Pacquiao insisted his upcoming return to boxing is not just for financial reasons, but has more to do with how he has missed the sport that made him one of the most famous athletes in the world.
Pacquiao retired in April after beating Timothy Bradley via unanimous decision, and won a seat in the Senate in the May elections.
Three months after his retirement, however, talks of a comeback popped up, and his promoter, Top Rank chief executive Bob Arum, has already reserved the Thomas & Mack Center for November 5 for the "Pacman."
He has yet to announce an opponent.
"Hindi ko naman sinasabi na final na," Pacquiao said of his fight. "Sinabi ko na hindi ko pa nakausap si Bob Arum."
But Pacquiao, who watched his Mahindra Enforcer team stun San Miguel Beer in the PBA Governors Cup on Wednesday night, admits that he truly misses fighting.
"Boxing is my passion," he said. "Diyan talaga ako lumaki at hilig ko talaga 'yan. Nami-miss ko 'yung boxing. Pangalawa, karangalan ko na nagbibigay ako ng honor sa ating bansa."
Boxing, Pacquiao noted, is also his profession and how he earns money to support his family.
"Sa pagse-serbisyo ko, wala naman akong balak na mag-nakaw o ano," he said. "In fact, sarili kong pera ang ginagastos ko para makatulong ako sa kababayan nating naghihirap."
"Ayaw kong maapektuhan 'yung pagta-trabaho ko, pagse-serbisyo ko sa taong bayan," he added. "For the meantime, kumikita ako ng para sa pamilya ko, at ayaw kong gamitin na livelihood 'yung pagse-serbisyo ko sa government."
"I believe that government is public service, not personal business," he stressed.
Asked why he intends to fight again even though boxing has already made him a very rich man, Pacquiao said: "Hindi rin naman iisa lang ang dahilan. Siyempre kikita ka 'pag lumaban ka, pero hindi 'yan talaga ang dahilan."
"Kumbaga, 'yan ang passion ko eh," Pacquiao said of boxing. "Parang nalulungkot ako na… minsan, pag lumalaban ka sa taas ng ring, winawagayway mo ang bandila ng Pilipinas, tapos lahat ng tao naka-suporta sa 'yo, iba 'yung pakiramdam."
Pacquiao, however, made it clear that he will ensure his fight will not get in the way of his duties as a senator, and that he intends to train in a gym close to the Senate before and after sessions.
"I just want to make sure na 'yung bakasyon ng session, matapat doon ('yung fight), so October hanggang November," he said.
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