Match: Manny Pacquiao v Jessie Vargas
Date: 5 November, Saturday
Time: 10am SGT (Sunday)/7:30am IST (Sunday)/2am GMT (Sunday)
Competition: WBO welterweight title fight
Venue: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas
TV Channel: In Singapore, there is no live TV coverage of the fight.
Live Streaming: The fight can be purchased online on TopRank.TV.
Overview
Manny Pacquiao returns to the ring seven months after he announced his retirement to reclaim the WBO welterweight title from Jessie Vargas in Las Vegas on Saturday.
The Filipino legend, who is the title holder in eight different weight categories, called it quits from the sport after his fight with Timothy Bradley earlier this year. The 37-year-old then was elected to the Philippines senate and has been an active politician since then.
However, upon promoter Bob Arum's request, Pacquiao reconsidered his retirement and chose to be at the ring in the United States, where he is adored as one of the best of the sport. It will be a test for the Filipino senator to successfully stage a comeback.
Known for his swift hands, the southpaw will be hoping to give a taste of his vintage self to Vargas, who is 10 years younger and 13cm taller than his opponent.
Pacquiao, who has a staggering record of 58-6-2 with 38 KOs, has struggled to get a knockout win since 2009. However, he feels satisfied with the training and is confident of beating his American opponent to prove he is "not done" yet.
"I am not done with boxing. I will continue to keep fighting as long as I love boxing and boxing still loves me," Pacquiao was quoted as saying by The Telegraph.
"I want to prove that I am still one of the best pound-for-pound fighters. I do not feel old. I feel like I am still 27."
On the other hand, Vargas would bank on his height and longer reach to stun the champion at home. He defeated compatriot Saddam Ali in a nine-round long fight earlier this year to claim a vacant welterweight title.
However, Vargas' only loss came against Bradley, who was beaten by Pacquiao in his last fight. The American boxer though firmly believes that he has it in him to defend the title.
In a matchup of contrasting styles, Pacquiao is expected to take the title back home but not before being tested by the spirited American. The senator himself maintains that he has to be at his best to emerge victorious on the big night.
TV Schedule
Philippines: Solar Sports
UK: Box Nation
US: HBO PPV
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