Manny fighting for the sake of charity
Almost half of Manny's boxing income goes to the less fortunate
Boxer Manny Pacquiao, known as the people's champion in his native Philippines, says he has given away about US$200 million ($276m) on projects to help the less fortunate.
"Every income I receive in boxing, almost half of it goes to the less fortunate," Pacquiao (above, left) said.
"After each fight, half of my income goes to the poor. But I don't like to announce it."
According to Forbes, Pacquiao's income from career purses and endorsements is around US$500m.
Pacquiao has a number of projects underway in the Philippines, including building 1,500 homes on the island of Mindanao.
He also helped to buy a fleet of new boats for fishermen in a coastal community.
Pacquiao says he needs to keep fighting so that he can continue the charity work that he has done throughout much of his 21-year boxing career.
Pacquiao was elected to the Philippine Senate in May. He sits on 15 committees, two of which he chairs.
His Senate duties have meant he has only been able to train part-time for this morning's fight against Jessie Vargas (above, right).
"I enjoy politics because I do not have a hidden agenda. I serve honestly," he said.
"That's a good thing for me because I'm not ashamed to tell the truth.
"I'm not ashamed to rebuke someone if they are doing wrong. Government is for serving the people, not for serving oneself."
UNDERDOG
Pacquiao is hoping to reclaim the WBO welterweight title for the third time. But juggling two jobs, including his gig as a full-time politician in the Philippine Senate, has cut into his training camp.
Pacquiao, who turns 38 next month, is going up against the younger WBO champ Vargas, who has a height, reach and weight advantage.
Pacquiao tipped the scales at 65.7 kilogrammes in front of a crowd of about 900 at yesterday's weigh-in at the Encore Theater inside the Wynn hotel and casino. Vargas (27-1, 10 knockouts) weighed in at 66.5kg.
"I know I am the challenger going in and I have to fight that way," Pacquiao said.
"It is not enough to do well, I have to take the title away from him."
Pacquiao arrived first stripping off his black and gold track suit and stepping on the scale wearing grey boxer shorts and trademark white socks.
"I want to make history. It would mean a lot for me to win this fight," he said.
Pacquiao won the WBO title for the first time in 2010 when he beat Miguel Cotto. He lost it two years later to Timothy Bradley, then got it back by winning the rematch with Bradley in 2014. He then lost it to Floyd Mayweather last year.
Pacquiao (58-6-2 with 38 knockouts) still has a lot left and a seven-month hiatus can hardly be considered a retirement. But he's not getting any younger and hasn't had a knockout victory since 2009.
No fighter can go on forever. It remains to be seen if his part-time training routine and the wear of 66 professional fights finally brings Pacman to a halt against Vargas, who is 10 years younger, 13 centimetres taller and has a four-inch reach advantage. - AFP.
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