But Horn fight not yet final, says Pacquiao

MANILA — Despite being preoccupied with his duties in the Senate, Manny Pacquiao believes he can still squeeze in a few more fights before calling it a career.

In an interview over DZMM, the 38-year-old world champion and lawmaker said he can still fight four more times until 2018.

“Siguro mga tatlo, apat (na laban) pwede pa. Mga two years,” Pacquiao told Boyet Sison and Freddie Webb on the “Fast Break” radio program.

(I think I can do 3, 4 more fights. Two years maybe.)

• READ: 4 fights in 1 year for Pacquiao? Not feasible, says analyst

Pacquiao credits his self-discipline for his staying power despite being in the fight sport for 3 decades now.

“Kasi wala naman akong bisyo. Hindi naman ako umiinom. Hindi rin ako umiinom ng softdrinks. Hindi ako palakain ng matataba na pagkain. Hindi ako kumakain ng baboy,” he said. “Disiplina lang talaga.”

(I don't have a vice. I don't drink. I don't even drink softdrinks. I don't like eating fatty food. I don't eat pork. It's about being disciplined.)

But how about his work as a senator?

“Unang-una naman hindi ko pinababayaan ang pagiging mambabatas ko. Excited ako sa trabaho ko as a legislator at senator . . . pero kasi boxing is my passion. Nalulungkot ako pagka isipin ko na wala na ako sa boxing,” Pacquiao said.

“Sabi ko naman pwede pa naman akong lumaban, malakas pa naman ang katawan ko, so bakit hindi ko ipagpatuloy?”

(I don't take my work as a lawmaker for granted. I'm excited to be a legislator and senator, but boxing is my passion. I feel down when I think about not being in boxing anymore. I tell myself I can still fight, I feel strong, so why don't I just continue boxing?)

When asked about his supposed WBO welterweight title defense against Jeff Horn in Australia, Pacquiao said he has yet to discuss the details with his promoter, Bob Arum.

Arum told ESPN that he has already met with Horn’s handler, Dean Lonergan of Duco Events, who agreed with their terms. He said the Horn bout will take place on April 23 (Manila time) and it could be the first in a series of overseas fights for Pacquiao.

"Horn and his management have agreed on the purse and now we're working on a site," Arum said. "We'll know the location of the fight in the next few days."

But Pacquiao said he has yet to hear from Arum regarding the matter.

“ 'Yun lang pong sinasabi kong kalaban ko pero wala pa pong final decision sa negotiation. Hindi pa po kami nag-uusap ni Bob Arum. Hindi pa kami nag-uusap about my next opponent,” he said.

He also mentioned Danny Garcia and Juan Manuel Marquez among his choices.

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