Manny to train near Senate for Vargas fight

MANILA, Philippines – Determined to make good on his promise to keep his legislative duties unaffected by his training, Sen. Manny Pacquiao is planning to work out at a gym near the Senate building in Pasay City as he builds up for his Nov. 5 fight against Jessie Vargas.

Pacquiao’s top adviser Michael Koncz recently said they are looking for a nearby boxing gym where the Filipino can start holding light workouts for his upcoming comeback fight.

“It will just be for the purpose of doing away with rustiness and excess muscle Manny developed during the three-month interval following his last fight (against Timothy Bradley) last May,” Koncz told PhilBoxing.com.

“We’re still looking for a boxing gym near the Senate building where the Senator can start the gym phase of training maybe two weeks from now as training slowly shifts to high gear,” he added.

When Pacquiao announced his ring return, he stressed that training will not affect his work as a senator, seeking to hold workouts only after sessions.

“The idea is for Manny not to miss sessions, which he promised the Filipinos even before he was elected to the Senate. There is also the possibility of holding his preparations in his own gym in General Santos City during non-session days,” Koncz continued.

“After all, sessions are held three times a week from Monday to Wednesday, so, he can fly to GenSan Wednesday evening and work out there Thursday to Saturday,” he also said.

Koncz said Pacquiao is used to wearing different hats. Apart from his job as a senator, the boxer is also listed as a player for Mahindra in the Philippine Basketball Association. In fact, Pacquiao even saw action in one of the side events of the 2016 PBA All-Star Weekend last week.

“Nothing to worry about. Manny’s always been very busy all his life and he always finds time to rest and do more things,” said Koncz.

“He can, for instance, sleep in his Senate office after his early morning roadwork then attend whatever committee meetings there are mid morning and the session in the afternoon. No problem really.”