Manny Pacquiao denies plans to take Senate leave for boxing

Camille Elemia

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Manny Pacquiao denies plans to take Senate leave for boxing
But the world boxing champion says he is not keen on leaving boxing just yet, as it is his 'only means' of supporting his family and those in need

MANILA, Philippines – World boxing champion and newly-elected senator Manny Pacquiao on Wednesday, July 13, denied reports that he plans to take a leave from the Senate to focus on his next boxing match.

It was Top Rank CEO Bob Arum who told Boxingscene.com that Pacquiao is looking for another opponent for a possible comeback fight and is working with Senate President Franklin Drilon to figure out how he can go on a break to train.

“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,” Pacquiao said in a statement.

The senator, however, remains open to the idea of juggling both boxing and government work. After all, he said, boxing is his “only means” of supporting his family and others in need.

“Boxing is my only means of livelihood to support my family and to help those who are in need,” said the billionaire boxing champion.

“Politics, to me, is a vocation, not a means to eke out a living. I want to maintain that belief, I want to keep my dignity intact while in public service,” he added. (READ: Pacquiao ’50-50′ on whether he’ll remain retired)

Despite this, Pacquiao assured the public that he would not let boxing get in the way of his work at the Senate.

“I want to make it clear – my priority is my legislative works. My next fight has not yet been discussed. Should there be any, I’ll make sure it will not interfere with my Senate duties,” he said.

“If ever I 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 senator added.

To further prove his point, Pacquiao promised that the entire training for his future fights would be held in the country. This, he said, would ensure that he “can attend session even while on training camp.”

The former Sarangani representative had the most number of absences in the House of Representatives. Right after winning in the May elections, he vowed to “do his best” to attend all sessions in the upper chamber.

“I owe it to the people,” he said. – Rappler.com

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Camille Elemia

Camille Elemia is a former multimedia reporter for Rappler. She covered media and disinformation, the Senate, the Office of the President, and politics.