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It’s on: Manny Pacquiao confirms fight with World Boxing Organisation welterweight champion Jessie Vargas

The 37-year-old Filipino and current Philippine senator will make his comeback against the 27-year-old American in Las Vegas on November 5

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Manny Pacquiao (right) and Timothy Bradley facing off during their WBO international welterweight title bout at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas in April 2016. Photo: AFP
Agence France-Presse

Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao confirmed on Wednesday that he is coming out of retirement to fight World Boxing Organisation welterweight champion Jessie Vargas in November.

The 37-year-old Filipino, who has won world titles in eight weight divisions, made the announcement after meeting with legendary fight promoter Bob Arum in Manila on Tuesday.

“Yes, the fight is on. I have agreed to a November 5 fight with reigning WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas,” Pacquiao said in a statement.

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“Boxing is my passion. I miss what I’d been doing inside the gym and atop the ring.”

Manny Pacquiao playing for the Mahindra Enforcers against the Alaska Aces during the Philippine Basketball Association match at the start of August. Photo: EPA
Manny Pacquiao playing for the Mahindra Enforcers against the Alaska Aces during the Philippine Basketball Association match at the start of August. Photo: EPA
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After winning a unanimous decision against American Timothy Bradley in April, Pacquiao had said he would retire to focus on his political career.

Pacquiao was elected to the Philippine senate in May but even before taking office, he said he was open to fighting again.

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