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Philippines, 12 Feb 2026 |
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EVEN WITH A BUSY SKED, PACQUIAO IS FAVORITE OVER VARGAS THE UNDERDOG By Maloney L. Samaco PhilBoxing.com Sun, 23 Oct 2016  Inspite of his very hectic schedule as senator of the republic, Manny Pacquiao trained religiously for the WBO world welterweight title fight against the champ Jessie Vargas on November 5 at the Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. ?This is a big challenge for me because, first, I?m a challenger and he?s the champion,? said Pacquiao who is seriously preparing for the fight even if he has an 11-2 betting advantage over the American champion 10 years his junior. ?And this is my first fight since I was elected as a senator, so it?s an honor for me to bring another record in my career,? added the only eight-division world champion who has never missed a session and a hearing at the Upper Legislative Chamber since he assumed his elective post. "It is all about discipline and time management," said Pacquiao as quoted by Yahoo Sports. "Boxing is my passion and public service is my calling. I will continue to travel both roads as long as I can do both effectively. I dedicate the fights I take on to my fans and my countrymen. They have kept me in their prayers. I fight to bring glory to the Philippines whether I'm wearing boxing gloves or standing on the floor of the senate." For his part, Vargas considered the underdog tag as an additional motivation to show to the boxing world that he has the flair to win. ?A lot of you guys do wish me luck, but in the back of your mind you?re thinking: ?I don?t think he can do it.? But I?m here to tell you I can,? declared the Las Vegas native. Many times he proved critics wrong against stronger opponents. ?And just as I?ve always proved you wrong with several other undefeated fighters you thought were either going to beat me or knock me out, now I?m still on top. I?m still world champion,? said the title holder with Mexican descent as quoted in The Telegraph. ?I?m the only champion that hasn?t got the proper credit. I was picked to lose so many times. I was brought up as an opponent. I was a journeyman, you could say, and I?m only 27 years old,? said Vargas who indicated that in many fights he was considered the dark horse. Trainer Freddie Roach commented on Pacquiao?s dual role as boxer and senator as reported by GMA News Online. ?He's a little bit tired but those things happen, especially when you have two jobs.? "I have been training Manny for 15 years and even after all this time he still amazes me," said multi-awarded Trainer of the Year as quoted by World Boxing News. "He's pushing 38 and he still outworks every fighter I've ever worked with. He's had a killer schedule during this training camp but it's been really productive. You'd have to see it to believe it." ?He hasn't lost a step. He's still the same Manny Pacquiao I've always known and he's still a great fighter,? Roach wrapped up his description of his favorite trainee. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.  |
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