Pacquiao confirms Vargas fight

FILIPINO boxing hero Manny Pacquiao confirmed yesterday that he was coming out of retirement to fight World Boxing Organisation (WBO) welterweight champion Jessie Vargas in November.

Pacquiao, 37, who has won world titles in eight weight divisions, made the announcement after meeting with US promoter Bob Arum in Manila in the Philippines on Tuesday.

“Yes, the fight is on. I have agreed to a November 5 fight with reigning WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas,” Pacquiao said.

“Boxing is my passion. I miss what I’d been doing inside the gym and the ring,” he said yesterday.

After an unanimous decision win against American Timothy Bradley in April, Pacquiao had said he would retire to focus on his political career.

He was elected to the Philippine senate in May but even before taking office, Pacquiao said he was open to fighting again.

“Boxing is my main source of income. I can’t rely on my salary as a public official,” he said.

“I’m helping the family of my wife and my own family, as well. Many people also come to me to ask for help and I just can’t ignore them.”

Vargas (27-1, 10 KOs), a 27-year-old American, said last week he was in talks with Pacquiao’s camp to hold a fight in Las Vegas. Pacquiao manager Michael Koncz confirmed a promotional tour for the fight would be held from September 8 to 10 in Los Angeles, and said a contract would be signed soon.

Pacquiao (58-6-2, 38 KOs) said he would return to the Philippines after promoting the fight to fulfil his political duties.

“My training camp will be here in the Philippines,” Pacquiao said.

Boxing pundit Ronnie Nathanielsz said the fight might be hard for Pacquiao as he was 10 years older than Vargas and past his prime . – AFP