Pacquiao "unretires" from boxing, set for November clash with Vargas

After a somewhat successful pro basketball return highlighted by a career game of sorts in the PBA All-Star Blitz Game, Manny Pacquiao now embarks on a boxing comeback. (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Manny Pacquiao will still grace the squared circle after all.

The former eight-division world boxing champion announced in a statement on Wednesday that he will return to the sport that made him a household name.

“The fight is on. I have agreed to a November 5 (Nov. 6, Philippine Time) fight with reigning WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas,” said Pacquiao, who held the said belt twice.

On why he made a 180-degree turn from his previous statement that he will retire from boxing to solely focus on his current major stint as senator, the former nine-time champ, who has another local job as PBA club Mahindra's playing coach, explained, “Boxing is my passion. I miss what I’d been doing inside the gym and atop the ring. Boxing is my main source of income. I can’t rely on my salary as a 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.”

Pacquiao's decision to defer his retirement following his April 10 win against Tim Bradley is somewhat expected as he already hinted of making a comeback last month.

[Related Story: Pacquiao denies asking for Senate leave but hints at boxing return]

On the other hand, Pacquiao vowed that he will keep on his promise that he will attend all the Senate sessions in his term that will run until 2022 as he also announced that the entirety of his training camp will happen here in the Philippines and only travel to Las Vegas for the fight itself.

"This is my campaign promise and I’m determined to keep it," he said on staying true to his word on Senate attendance.

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