Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao has declared he still has the passion for the sport and may come out of retirement, although there are no plans for a fight this year.
Pacquiao, 37, a newly elected senator in the Philippines, told AFP on Wednesday night that his top priority was his political career but that his love for boxing had not diminished.
“When you put your passion and your dedication in one sport, you cannot say you’re leaving that sport if your passion is there,” Pacquiao said in an interview in his hometown of General Santos.
“Boxing is always my passion and I grew up (as a boxer). The Lord helped me (make) a name in boxing history.”
Pacquiao added he was still physically fit to return to the ring.
“I am still strong. I am still young,” he said.
Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum, said on Tuesday that the eight-division world champion planned to fight on either October 29 or November 5 as a main event bout in Las Vegas.
But while leaving open the option of a comeback, Pacquiao said he had not made such plans nor discussed arrangements with Arum.
Pacquiao retired after winning a unanimous decision in April against American Timothy Bradley.
He said he wanted to hang up his gloves to focus on his political career. After serving two terms as a congressman in the House of Representatives, Pacquiao was elected to the Senate in May.
Pacquiao has previously said he eventually wants to become president.
Yet, after being a senator for just two weeks, Pacquiao wants to win a new title in the ring – a fighting lawmaker.
“The first time in history that a senator is still fighting in the ring. That’s a legacy,” he said.
But after being criticised for rarely turning up to Congress, Pacquiao emphasised he was committed to his duties as a senator.
“What is on my mind right now is to bring good service to the people,” he added.
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Tomorrow 2021
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The flights
FlyDubai flies direct from Dubai to Skopje in five hours from Dh1,314 return including taxes. Hourly buses from Skopje to Ohrid take three hours.
The tours
English-speaking guided tours of Ohrid town and the surrounding area are organised by Cultura 365; these cost €90 (Dh386) for a one-day trip including driver and guide and €100 a day (Dh429) for two people.
The hotels
Villa St Sofija in the old town of Ohrid, twin room from $54 (Dh198) a night.
St Naum Monastery, on the lake 30km south of Ohrid town, has updated its pilgrims' quarters into a modern 3-star hotel, with rooms overlooking the monastery courtyard and lake. Double room from $60 (Dh 220) a night.
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