MANILA, Philippines ? Manny Pacquiao, who announced his retirement from boxing three months ago, yesterday denied that he?s seeking a leave of absence from the Senate so he could fight again this year.
?There is no truth to media reports that I?m planning to take a leave from my Senate duties just to fight again atop the ring,? the newly elected senator said in an official statement.
Pacquiao, however, did not close the door on his return to boxing, saying boxing is his only means of livelihood. He did not say when he?s returning to the ring.
He said he?s prioritizing his duties and responsibilities as a senator.
Pacquiao?s promoter, Bob Arum, said the other day Pacquiao?s ring return is certain, and it?s just a matter of setting the date and venue of the fight and naming his opponent.
Arum said Pacquiao was speaking to the leadership of the Senate whether he could take a leave of absence so he could fight again. Sportshub ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
The Top Rank chief had wanted Pacquiao to fight on Oct. 15 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. But Pacquiao told The STAR a couple of weeks ago that October is too soon.
?Hindi pa sa October (Not yet in October),? he said.
A reliable source from inside Team Pacquiao said the 37-year-old boxing icon might stage a comeback fight in December.
Arum told ESPN.com he?s looking at Oct. 29 or Nov. 5.
Pacquiao clarified yesterday that if he?d fight again, it should fall on a date when the Philippine Senate is on recess.
?I want to make it clear ? my priority is my legislative works. My next fight has not been discussed. Should there be any, I?ll make sure it will not interfere with my Senate duties,? he said.
?If I ever decide to fight again, rest assured, it will happen when Congress is on recess so there?s no need for me to go on leave. The entire training will be done in the Philippines to ensure I can attend sessions even while on training camp,? his statement said.
There is no definite schedule or pattern when the Senate goes on recess but the longest period that it goes on a break is from December to January.
?Manny wants to come back,? Arum told ESPN.com.
?When I ran for senator, I made a promise to be present in all sessions. I owe it to the people. (But) Boxing is my only means of livelihood to support my family and to help those who are in need. Politics, to me, is a vocation (and) not a means to eke out a living,? he said.
?I want to maintain that belief. I want to keep my dignity intact while in public service,? Pacquiao said in a statement e-mailed to the press.
Pacquiao said if ever he fights again, he would train in the Philippines.
There are names being looked at but none, this early, has the inside track over the other. They include Terence Crawford, Keith Thurman, Shawn Porter and Kelly Brook.
Or none of the above.
Adrien Broner was also in the list but was stricken off because the four-division champion from Cincinnati, according to Arum, was asking for ?crazy money.?
Pacquiao?s ring adviser, Mike Koncz, said they?re making sure the dates they?re looking at will not interfere with the Senate schedule.
?We?re doing this properly,? Koncz said in the report.
