Arum unsure if Pacquiao can still fight on while in politics

MANILA, Philippines – If you’re wondering whether Manny Pacquiao can juggle his boxing career and duties as a senator, you are not alone.

Even Pacquiao’s longtime promoter is not sure if the Filipino icon can continue fighting while being in public office at the same time.

In a video interview with fighthype.com’s Luis Sandoval, Top Rank Inc. Bob Arum said Pacquiao’s upcoming fight with Jessie Vargas will determine if Pacquiao is still capable of wearing different hats.

Video by fighthype.com

“I don't know if he can continue to manage his career in the Senate with his career in boxing,” the veteran promoter said.

Pacquiao originally announced his retirement last April, right after defeating Timothy Bradley, in order to focus on politics. But he just could not stay out of the boxing limelight, saying he misses the sport that turned him into a global icon and that it is his main source of income.

That’s why Pacquiao is returning on November 5 against Vargas, a fight he claimed won’t interfere with his senatorial duties. In fact, Pacquiao trains after Senate sessions at a nearby boxing gym in Pasay City.

Arum, for his part, doubts if it is an arrangement that can work for Pacquiao – whose Senate term will last in 2022 – in the long run.

“For me, it seems like it may be too much,” Arum continued.

Pacquiao actually fought while serving as congressman of Sarangani province, and it resulted in him becoming the biggest absentee in Congress. He has since vowed to do better as a senator.

Arum, meanwhile, remains hopeful.

“But I don't know. Manny really has a lot of energy, and we're gonna see,” he said.

“This fight will tell a lot of things about Manny Pacquiao.”