Manny Pacquiao still has the hunger ahead of Jessie Vargas showdown
Thursday 27 October 2016 13:13, UK
Manny Pacquiao says that despite a punishing schedule which includes juggling two high-profile jobs in the build up to his return to the boxing ring, he has still managed to maintain his fire for the sport.
Now that the Philippine Senate is on a break, the boxing legend says he is finally able to start training in earnest to face WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas in Las Vegas.
Three months after ending his brief ring "retirement", Pacquiao is in the final weeks of preparations for the fight on Saturday, November 5.
"It can be very difficult if you are not disciplined. But I feel good," said Pacquiao.
"Every day I was able to run in the morning and then train after the Senate session. The gym is very close to the Senate.
"It is important to win this fight convincingly to prove that I am still there."
Pacquiao's long-time trainer Freddie Roach said the 37 year-old's continued success is a result of the hard work in the gym.
"His work ethic is still the greatest I have ever seen," Roach said. "I am amazed that after 15 years of working together he still has that passion.
"He's beating the mitts and beating his sparring partners. He still has the speed and power. Manny will punch this guy out."
Vargas is taking a step up in class against the Filipino, who has won world titles in a variety of weight divisions, but Pacquiao will not be taking him lightly.
Pacquiao said: "I don't want to underestimate him. People say it is going to be an easy fight for me. But it is my experience that whenever I underestimate my opponent it is trouble for me."
If he gets past Vargas, as many think he will, Pacquiao could be looking at a fight against unbeaten Terence Crawford in 2017.
