Pacquiao starts boxing training near Senate

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Manny Pacquiao has started training for his comeback fight with reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight titleholder Jessie Vargas on Nov. 5 in Las Vegas.

The 37-year-old boxing icon started doing laps around his mansion in North Forbes Park in Makati City. Yesterday, he jogged for 30 minutes.

A member of Pacquiao’s staff said the senator has found a gym near the Senate where he could train, which will gradually intensify as the fight approaches.

His trainer Freddie Roach is set to arrive in the country several weeks before the fight.

Pacquiao will conduct most of his training in the country due to his work in the Senate.

When he was a member of the House of Representatives, he was criticized for constant absenteeism, which he attributed to his lengthy training abroad before fights.

Vargas, an American, has a 27-1 win-loss record with 10 knockouts.

Pacquiao’s Canadian adviser Michael Koncz earlier said the promotion of the fight would be held only in Los Angeles. After that, Pacquiao and his team will return home to attend to his Senate duties, he said.

Pacquiao earlier this month admitted he is excited to fight again in the ring.

“Boxing is my passion. I miss what I’d been doing inside the gym and atop the ring,” he said.

He assured his constituents his training would not affect his duties as a senator.

“My entire training camp will be held here in the Philippines so I can attend to my legislative work. This is my campaign promise and I’m determined to keep it,” Pacquiao said.

He said he has to fight again to earn a living.

“Boxing is my main source of income. I can’t rely on my salary as public official. I’m helping the family of my wife and my own family, as well. Many people also come to me to ask for help and I just couldn’t ignore them,” he said.