At 42, Sen. Manny Pacquiao is still gearing up for a fresh boxing match.
Aside from juggling his duties as a father, senator, and a possible presidential bid, Pacquiao is also busy training for his upcoming welterweight unification bout against Errol Spence Jr. on Aug. 21.
With 12 major world titles under his belt, why is Manny Pacquiao still boxing? The fighting senator simply said: "Passion ko po ang boxing."
Pacquiao's upcoming boxing match comes in the shadow of his word war with President Rodrigo Duterte over corruption allegations the senator made.
The President, in his latest speech on Thursday, criticized his long time ally saying being a boxing champion doesn't equate to being a champion in politics. Pacquiao is rumored to be gearing up for a presidentila bid.
"Okay naman po ako. Hindi ko po hinahalo ang pulitika sa boxing career ko, sa fight ko ngayon," Pacquiao said in a Zoom call with reporters.
Pacquiao added that despite being hailed as one of the best boxers in history, he said he doesn't want to be remembered as a "world champion."
"Sa pagdating na panahon na mawala ang Manny Pacquiao sa mundo ay gusto kong maalala hindi dahil world champion, kundi bilang nspirasyon sa paggawa ng tama na may takot sa Panginoon," he said.