Manny Pacquiao dismissed claims that he is looking beyond his Nov. 5 shot at Jessie Vargas’ world welterweight crown, saying he gives his 100 percent each time he prepares for a fight.
“I do not underestimate Jessie Vargas. He is a good (and) strong champion,” said Pacquiao from his training camp in Los Angeles, sounding and looking every inch all pumped up to crown himself as the new World Boxing Organization 147-lb king at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao, winner of eight world titles in as many weight classes, insists that he couldn’t have done many things without treating his foe with utmost respect.
“You cannot fight at this level and be successful by underestimating your opponent. Every opponent gets my full attention and respect,” said Pacquiao, who turns 38 on Dec. 17.
A loss or even a lackluster performance should affect the course of his boxing career, believes the fighting lawmaker.
“It will determine the direction of my boxing career. I need to win convincingly,” added Pacquiao, who is being groomed to face Floyd Mayweather in a rematch in mid-2017.
Pacquiao spent the majority of training camp in Manila, just stone’s throw away from the hallowed confines of the Senate, waking up early to do his roadwork so he could attend Senate sessions in the afternoon until late into the night.
There were a couple of times when Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach gave him a break as he looked spent after his Senate work.
