Philippine boxing hero Manny Pacquiao has declared he still has the passion for the sport and might come out of retirement, although he said he had no plans to fight this year.
Pacquiao, 37, a newly elected senator in the Philippines, on Wednesday night said that his top priority was his political career, but that his love for boxing had not diminished.
“When you put your passion and your dedication in one sport, you cannot say you’re leaving that sport if your passion is there,” Pacquiao said in an interview in his hometown of General Santos. “Boxing is always my passion and I grew up [as a boxer]. The Lord helped me [make] a name in boxing history.”
Pacquiao added that he was still physically fit to return to the ring.
“I am still strong. I am still young,” he said.
Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum, on Tuesday said that the eight-division world champion planned to fight on either Oct. 29 or Nov. 5 as a main event bout in Las Vegas.
However, while leaving open the option of a comeback, Pacquiao said he had not made such plans nor discussed arrangements with Arum.
Pacquiao retired after winning a unanimous decision in April against the US’ Timothy Bradley.
He said he wanted to hang up his gloves to focus on his political career.
After serving two terms in the Philippine House of Representatives, Pacquiao was elected to the Philippine Senate in May.
Pacquiao has previously said that he eventually wants to become president.
Yet, after being a senator for just two weeks, Pacquiao wants to win a new title in the ring — a fighting lawmaker.
“The first time in history that a senator is still fighting in the ring. That’s a legacy,” he said.
However, after being criticized for rarely turning up to the Philippine Congress, Pacquiao emphasised he was committed to his duties as a senator.
“What is on my mind right now is to bring good service to the people,” he said.
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