Manny Pacquiao vs Jessie Vargas - ESPN First Take

Manny Pacquiao vs Jessie Vargas

On August 3, Manny Pacquiao's business manager confirmed that WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas (27-1, 10 KOs) will be the next opponent for Pacquiao on November 5, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Pacquiao made the confirmation after a two-hour meeting with Top Rank Bob Arum and Canadian adviser Michael Koncz held in Manila on August 7, that he agreed to fight Vargas. “Yes, the fight is on. I have agreed to a Nov. 5 fight with reigning WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas. Boxing is my passion. I miss what I’d been doing inside the gym and atop the ring. My entire training camp will be held here in the Philippines so I can attend to my legislative works. This is my campaign promise and I’m determined to keep it," Pacquiao in a statement.

He also explained that he has to fight again to earn a living: "Boxing is my main source of income. I can’t rely on my salary as 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.”