Boxing far from Pacquiao’s mind

MANILA, Philippines — Amid the global lockdown triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, Sen. Manny Pacquiao has pulled his punches so he could focus his efforts on fighting the invisible foe.

Pacquiao said he’s temporarily shelving boxing amid rumors that a return bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr. is being arranged.

“You know, I’m not yet thinking of boxing but this problem, this pandemic, and our people,” the fighting senator told ‘The Chiefs’ on One News aired on Cignal TV in Filipino Monday evening.

“That’s why I’m discouraging mass gatherings like boxing promotions and other sports because if we don’t, we will not solve this problem,” he said.

The 41-year-old boxing champion said he and his family are safe from COVID-19 but what is always on his mind are the poor who just scrape out a living and are now very hungry.

“I know how they feel – I’ve been there before – with nothing to eat and just drinking water to survive. Let’s join hands in helping them, and resolve this problem of COVID-19,” he said.

He expressed hope that when the situation normalizes, the suffering of the poor will be eased.

He also urged Filipinos to fully cooperate with the government and limit their movements so the spread of COVID-19 will slow down and allow the country to go back to normalcy.

Pacquiao has been donating medical supplies, including personal protective equipment, face masks and disinfectants to various government frontliners. He has also been donating rice to various local government units.

Last March, the senator turned over to the Philippine General Hospital some P400 million worth of test kits donated by his Chinese billionaire friend, Alibaba founder, Jack Ma.

He earlier filed what he called the “New Normal Bill,” which seeks to set rules covering businesses, government and the general public to prevent the spread of the disease after the lockdowns are lifted.