Pacquiao: I Do Not Underestimate Vargas

Manny Pacquiao is considered as one of the greatest ever in the boxing world. However, the pugilist says he will not be taking his opponent lightly next week when he faces World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Jessie Vargas in a title bout.

The fight will bring the Filipino southpaw back in the ring seven months after defeating Timothy Bradley in his much proclaimed exit to the sport. He will go up against American Vargas at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Nov. 5.

Pacquiao, 37, told reporters, “I do not underestimate Jessie Vargas,” after beginning his training camp in Los Angeles this week. He trains under the watchful eye of his Hall of Famer trainer Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Boxing Club.

“He is a good strong champion. Every opponent gets my full attention and respect. I respect Jessie and that is why I trained hard. This is the most important fight because it will determine the direction of my boxing career.”

The 27-year-old Vargas (27-1) trounced fellow American Sadam Ali in March to receive the WBO welterweight crown. He has won 10 of his fights thru stoppage or knockout, with his only setback coming via a points loss to Bradley in June 2015.

Pacquiao said he needs to win convincingly. He has three distinctive plans for Jessie Vargas, but his primary concern is for the fans. He wants the people watching the fight, happy and pleased.

Pacquiao is an eight-division world champion. The fight represents his first since May when he won a seat in the Philippines’ senate. The prospect of adding another title to his expanding career resume excites him, he said.

The Filipino boxer, known for his lightning fast hands and foot speed, said that he is fighting for history. He has amassed a 58-6-2 career record and was the first sitting congressman to earn a world title.

For this fight, it is not enough for him to be the first active senator to fight for a world title. He intends to be the first senator to become world champion. It would be quite an achievement for him if that happens.

“I want to prove that I am still one of the best pound-for-pound fighters. I’m not done with boxing. I will continue to keep fighting as long as I love boxing and boxing still loves me. I do not feel old and I feel like I am still 27.”

 

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