Manny Pacquiao to train at parliament grounds in Philippines
News trickled in today that boxing sensation and Congressmen Manny Pacquiao will train for his next fight, against Antonio Margarito in November, inside the Philippines’ parliamentary grounds. The idea is that collapsing professional boxing into his stately duties will better facilitate the two and allow him to tend to his job as a lawmaker.
Pacquiao is widely considered the best fighter in the world today. On 8 August Ring Magazine shuffled him from the number two position of their pound-for-pound ratings to number one, outflanking Floyd Mayweather Jr. The move indicates an agreement with current trends that Mayweather ought to be demoted for failing to aid negotiations in a prospective fight with Pacquiao.
Pacquiao, 31, who was elected into parliament in May, has assured that political aspirations will not affect his boxing career. Many are finding that statement contradictory, given his admission about training in the parliamentary grounds.
"I will sleep in my office so I can jog before the start of (a parliamentary) session or hearing," Pacquiao was quoted as saying in the Manila Times Thursday."The House (of Representatives) grounds are big. There is also a big jogging area there."
Pacquiao alone lays claim to winning championship belts in a staggering seven weight divisions. After inspecting the gym at parliament, he found it “good enough.”
A 13 November fight with Antonio Margarito was a plea for action after a second round of negotiations failed between Pacquiao’s camp, run by Bob Arum and Top Rank, and Floyd Mayweather’s team (recently represented by Golden Boy Promotions).
Mayweather spurred anger in Pacquiao’s camp when he stipulated “Pac-man” should have to undergo random drug and blood tests before the fight. Pacquiao agreed to the terms in May, but Mayweather failed to follow up on an Arum-announced deadline in July.
"For now, Margarito of Mexico is the likely replacement of Mayweather in November 13, but for me, there is nothing more beautiful (than) news if the Mayweather camp will change its mind," Pacquiao said. "A lot of things can happen within three months and if Mayweather is not really a coward, he needs to prove himself in the ring. He claims he is the best. He says he is number one. There is only one way to prove his greatness and that is to face me. I should be ready by November."
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