As the current Philippine Senate session draws to a close, political science will morph into the sweet science for Manny Pacquiao (58-6-2, 38 KOs), of General Santos City, Philippines.
Pacquiao, who was elected to the Philippine Senate in May, will be going through his own climate change when he flies from Manila to Los Angeles on Saturday, October 22, via Philippine Airlines flight 102. On Monday, October 24, he will begin phase two of his training camp, at Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, for his challenge of WBO titlist Jessie Vargas (27-1, 10 KOs), of Las Vegas.
While Pacquiao will be looking to become a three-time WBO welterweight champion as well as the first senator to win a world title, Vargas will be resolute in enforcing a term limit on the future Hall of Famer’s boxing career. Pacquiao vs. Vargas takes place Saturday, November 5 at the Thomas & Mack Center on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Pacquiao vs. Vargas and its three co-main event title fights will be produced and distributed live by Top Rank® Pay-Per-View.
“I have been training Manny for 15 years and even after all this time he still amazes me,” said seven-time Trainer of the Year and Hall of Famer World-Famous Freddie Roach.
“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.”
A typical work/training day for Pacquiao begins with a 5 a.m. wakeup call that has him doing his multi-mile morning run one hour later. His run is followed by grueling strength and conditioning work with Justin Fortune. After that, it’s a shower, a daily reading of the Bible and breakfast before he heads off in business attire to the Senate for a full day of legislative duties.
Pacquiao usually arrives at the gym between 5 and 6 p.m. where he works out for three hours with Roach and his sparring partners. The day ends with dinner at home followed by a game of chess and a deep sleep. True to his promise to the electorate, Pacquiao did not miss one senate session.
“It is all about discipline and time management,” said Pacquiao.
“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.”
“Manny is the only person I know who you can read about in the sports section and the national news section of the same newspaper on a daily basis,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum.
“When Manny is inducted into the Hall of Fame, his plaque will say he was boxing’s only eight-division world champion, but that doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of what makes him so special. He is literally a national treasure who has brought great honor to the sport and to his country. He’s the amazing Manny.”
