Amid inevitable comeback, Pacquiao admits he misses boxing

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Manny Pacquiao confessed that he misses doing the thing he loves the most.

After making an appearance at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday night and inspiring the Mahindra Enforcers to a 105-103 upset of the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Governors’ Cup, Pacquiao spoke to scribes about several issues.

He was asked about his senate work and, inevitably, boxing. It’s been reported that Pacquiao will end his brief retirement by fighting again on November 5 in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao neither confirmed nor denied he’s returning to the boxing ring. But there’s one thing he’s sure of – he misses the sport that turned him into a global icon.

“Para sakin, unang una, aminin ko ha. Boxing is my passion. Diyan talaga ako lumaki, (I will admit, boxing is my passion. I grew up with it),” said Pacquiao.

“Nami-miss ko yung boxing. Karangalan ko ang pagbibigay ng honor sa ating bansa (I miss boxing. It’s an honor to give honor to our country),” he added.

Pacquiao last fought in April this year, dominating Timothy Bradley, before announcing his retirement to focus on politics. Now a Philippine senator, he’s been tasked to lead the committee on public works and most likely, the committee in sports.

Still, Pacquiao said he’ll find time for boxing, again, as long as it does not interfere with his senate duties. He said if ever he fights again, he will do so when the senate is in recess.

“I'm just making sure na yung bakasyon ng session matapat doon – October to November,” said Pacquiao.

Pacquiao has no opponent in mind yet, saying he hasn’t spoken to his longtime promoter Bob Arum about it. So far, unified WBC and WBO super lightweight champion Terence Crawford is a strong candidate to land a megabuck duel with him.

The Filipino icon stressed it’s not about money this time – he’s earned millions in his Hall of Fame-worthy career – but something far greater.

“Siyempre kikita ka dahil lumalaban ka eh. Pero di yan ang dahilan. Kumbaga, eh yan yung passion ko eh (Of course you will earn when you fight. But that’s not the reason. It’s because of passion),” Pacquiao said.

“Boxing is my position kung saan ako tinutulungan ko yung pamilya ko. Sa pagseserbisyo ko na yan, wala naman akong balak magnakaw diyan. In fact, pati sarili kong pera ginagastos ko para makatulong ako sa mga kababayang naghihirap.

(I can also help my family through boxing. I even spend the money I earn in boxing to help our poor countrymen).

“Basta hindi maapektuhan yung pagtatrabaho ko, yan ang sinisigurado ko, (I assure you that my work as a public servant will not be affected),” Pacquiao said.