Congressional duties takes precedence over the scheduled start of rigorous training for Filipino boxer and congressman Manny Pacquiao as he postpones his trip to Baguio City to officially start his training for his upcoming fight with Antonio Margarito. It was earlier announced the training will start September 20 in the mountain city of Baguio, the summer capital of the Philippines. The Filipino boxing icon however had to postpone the Monday schedule to work on the 2011 budget for his constituency in Sarangani province where he is the lone representative in congress. Pacquiao said he wanted to secure the budget for his projects in his district before going up to Baguio City. My constituents need not worry he added. Last month, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte said Pacquiao is excused from attending the sessions in congress while the pound-for-pound king is training for his upcoming fight. ABS-CBN News reports: Coach Freddie Roach said Pacquiao needs to focus first on boxing. If necessary, he said Pacquiao can go back on weekends to do legislative work or if it’s really urgent. Even if his ward has been busy with his work as a member of Congress, Roach said Pacquiao is still in fighting form and has not missed a beat. He also said he also wants to see a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight come true. Freddie Roach, who arrived in Manila Sunday, was guest at the House of Representatives as he visited Pacquiao while doing his work in congress. He was with Manny’s bother Bobby Pacquiao. Meanwhile two of Pacquiao’s sparring partners have arrive in Manila from the US. The include Glen Tapia of New Jersey and Michael Medina. Pacquiao’s main sparring partner, Julio Cesar Chavez along with Vanes Martirosyan are expected to arrive in Manila in two weeks.
