Pacquiao releases statement on potential comeback

Amidst numerous reports, including those coming from promoter Bob Arum and advisor Michael Koncz saying Manny Pacquiao will be making a return to boxing this fall, Pacquaio himself has taken to social media to issue a public statement on the matter. And contrary to what Arum and Koncz have said about Pacquiao taking a leave from the Philippines senate to make this potential return, Pacquiao says he will do no such thing. Here’s what he released on his Facebook page:

“THERE IS NO TRUTH TO MEDIA REPORTS THAT I’M PLANNING TO TAKE A LEAVE FROM MY SENATE DUTIES JUST TO FIGHT AGAIN ATOP THE RING.

I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR – MY PRIORITY IS MY LEGISLATIVE WORKS.

MY NEXT FIGHT HAS NOT YET BEEN DISCUSSED. SHOULD THERE BE ANY, I’LL MAKE SURE IT WILL NOT INTERFERE WITH MY SENATE DUTIES.”

While adding that he owes it to the people of the Philippines to be present in all senate sessions, he also doesn’t really rule out a return to boxing.

“IF EVER I DECIDE TO FIGHT AGAIN, REST ASSURED, IT WILL HAPPEN WHEN CONGRESS IS ON RECESS SO THERE’S NO NEED FOR ME TO GO ON LEAVE.

THE ENTIRE TRAINING WILL BE DONE IN THE PHILIPPINES TO ENSURE I CAN ATTEND SESSIONS EVEN WHILE ON TRAINING CAMP.

BOXING IS MY ONLY MEANS OF LIVELIHOOD TO SUPPORT MY FAMILY AND TO HELP THOSE WHO ARE IN NEED.

POLITICS, TO ME, IS A VOCATION NOT A MEANS TO EKE OUT A LIVING.

I WANT TO MAINTAIN THAT BELIEF. I WANT TO KEEP MY DIGNITY INTACT WHILE IN PUBLIC SERVICE.”

So will we actually be seeing Pacquiao back in the ring this fall? Right now it seems to be anybody’s guess.