Manny Pacquiao today confirmed that he would come out of retirement to to fight WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas in November.
The 37-year-old made the announcement after meeting with promoter Bob Arum in Manila on Tuesday.
"Yes, the fight is on. I have agreed to a 5 November fight with reigning WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas," Pacquiao said in a statement to AFP.
"Boxing is my passion. I miss what I’d been doing inside the gym and atop the ring."
Pacquiao called time on his boxing career after beating American Timothy Bradley via unanimous decision in April. He was elected to the Philippine senate in May, but he said he would be open to fighting again.
"Boxing is my main source of income. I can’t rely on my salary as a public official.
"I’m helping the family of my wife and my own family, as well. Many people also come to me to ask for help and I just couldn’t ignore them.
"My entire training camp will be held here in the Philippines so I can attend to my legislative work. This is my campaign promise and I’m determined to keep it," he said.
