Manny Pacquiao Scouts for Training Venue Near Place of Work in Congress

WBO welterweight champion and Philippine congressman Manny Pacquiao starts scouting for a place to train for his upcoming fight with Mexican boxer Antonio Margarito on November 13.

The neophyte congressman who represents the lone district of Sarangani in Southern Philippines has earlier made known his plan to train inside the Batsang Pambansa (National Legislature) compound in Quezon City in the Philippines, where he is holding office as an elected official of the country.

His plan to train in the legislative compound is being discouraged by the Speaker of the House of Representatives Feliciano Belmonte, saying it is not a good idea for the pound-for-pound king to train inside the compound.

“I don’t like the ground of the House to be the focus of some professional fight like that,” said Belmonte. "Before long, other neophyte congressmen may just watch Manny train which may prevent them from attending the session hall," he added.

Belmonte, however, said he would support Pacquiao in his November fight by personally watching the fight.

The Speaker also said he was particularly impressed with Pacquiao’s performance in the House.

“Very good, he’s well-informed and he’s doing his best.  In fact, I praised his first speech, it was well-crafted,” said Belmonte.

Latest reports show Pacquiao is now considering nearby towns of San Mateo and Montalban. He said he needs a mountainous ara for his jogging sessions.

The San Mateo and Rodriguez (Montalban) towns are located near the National Legislature compound.

The popular Filipino boxer is trying to mix politics with boxing by training for his next boxing fight and doing his job in congress at the same time. He said it can be done with his own version of time management.

The neophyte lawmaker said he wanted to train near Batasan so that he could also attend to his duties as a lawmaker.

Pacquiao, the first boxer in history to win nine world titles in seven different weight divisions, is a member of the committees on sports, aquaculture, and millennium development goal.

Pacquiao is scheduled to face Antonio Margarito of Mexico on November 13 either at Cowboys Stadium in Texas or in Las Vegas Nevada.