Pacquiao defends picking Vargas: It's a consensus choice

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Manny Pacquiao defended his selection of WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas as his next opponent, saying the decision is not his alone.

“Regarding my fights, well, you yourself naman know that who I will be fighting in a particular encounter has always been decided via consultation among my promoter (Bob Arum of Top Rank) and my team," Pacquiao recently told veteran boxing writer Eddie Alinea of PhilBoxing.com.

The Filipino icon made the comment amid criticism by some boxing observers saying Pacquiao should have chosen a more dangerous opponent.

The 27-year-old Vargas has been perceived as a safer opponent, as the Las Vegas-based fighter isn’t known for his punching power. Of Vargas’ 27 wins, only 10 came by way of knockout.

Additionally, Vargas already got outpointed by Timothy Bradley in their fight last year, losing via unanimous decision. Bradley, of course, has lost twice to Pacquiao.

Many in the boxing community prefer Pacquiao to instead face Terence Crawford, Top Rank’s undefeated rising star who is the unified WBC and WBO super lightweight champion.

Pacquiao, for his part, maintained that opting for Vargas has been a consensus decision among his promoter and team.

"Kung sino lumabas sa consensus after considering the pros and cons ng makakalaban, yun na yun,” he added, even as he insisted that he’s ready to take on anyone.

"Never did I pick an opponent. Ako, kahit sino ang iharap sa akin, lalabanan ko. Pilipino ako at wala akong kinatatakutan (I will fight whoever is put in front of me. I am a Filipino and I don’t fear anyone)," said Pacquiao.

Pacquiao and Vargas will collide on November 5 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.