Manny Pacquiao is not done after all. The former welterweight champion of the world wants to fight again, according to promoter Bob Arum.
"He now has given us the go-ahead to shop for a venue and an opponent and see if we can do it on a particular date or dates," Arum told The Guardian on Tuesday. "We've been trying to work out a date that doesn't interfere with his senatorial responsibilities and his ability to train."
Arum told the Associated Press Pacquiao has been given permission to take a break from his Senatorial duties to take a fight on Nov. 5 in Las Vegas against an opponent yet to be determined. However, Pacquiao denied the reports that this fight will take place while Senate is in session.
"There is no truth to media reports that I'm planning to take a leave from my senate duties just to fight again atop the ring," read a statement from Pacquiao's Facebook page. "I want to make it clear -- my priority is my legislative work. My next fight has not yet been discussed. Should there be any, I'll make sure it will not interfere with my senate duties."
Pacquiao was elected to the Philippines' Senate in May and was contemplating stepping away from the sport for good after beating Timothy Bradley in April.
"I have a commitment in my family that I'm going to retire after this, but we don't know," Pacquiao said after beating Bradley. "Maybe I'll enjoy being a retired man and serving the people and helping the people."
Pacquiao is 4-1 in his last five fights, the lone loss coming in the megafight against Floyd Mayweather in May 2015. His name was brought up in consideration for a rematch, but Arum said things didn't progress.
"Mayweather was not looking to fight this year if ever," Arum said.
It will be interesting to see if they get one of the up and coming young boxers to take on the 37-year-old veteran. Pacquiao is 58-6-2 in his professional boxing career.
