When Manny Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KOs) steps into the ring with Brandon Rios (31-1-1, 23 KOs) in Macao, China on November 23, the boxing world will get their first glimpse of Pacquiao since they last saw him laid out on the canvas, unconscious, from a Juan Manuel Marquez punch last December. So many questions as to what would become of the man considered the best fighter in the world alongside Floyd Mayweather have been asked, and now we’ll finally get answers. Before the Pac Man laces up the gloves, he spoke to KnockoutNation.com about whether he ever considered retirement, what fans should expect against Rios and whether we’ll see the old Manny Pacquiao ever again.
Knockout Nation: You are used to fighting at least twice a year, was the time away good for you?
Manny Pacquiao: This camp we had time. I didn’t fight for one year so I had to get into athletic shape by playing some basketball and doing some other things and then work on boxing after. We trained for 10 weeks for this fight. But yes, I’ve been fighting twice a year for my whole life. It was a nice break.
Knockout Nation: After the loss, did you ever consider retiring?
Manny Pacquiao: No. I felt like I was winning the fight and got careless. Marquez caught me with a good punch. I’m not ready to retire and I can still compete?
Knockout Nation: Was it hard to convince your wife that you wanted to continue fighting?
Manny Pacquiao: No. I’m thankful for my wife’s support because she said it is my decision and she was comfortable with it. I prayed a lot about the decision and she will always support me.
Knockout Nation: Has Freddie Roach changed anything in your approach since the last fight?
Manny Pacquiao: No. Just different strategy because Brandon is a different fighter. We come into the fight the same. The camp is the same. Freddie is the guy who comes up with the strategy and we discuss it. It’s my job to execute on fight night. The only thing we started a little bit early on my own and when he showed up it has been all business.
Knockout Nation: Is the fire back again considering that you have to work your way back up or did it ever even leave?
<strong>Knockout Nation: Is the fire back again considering that you have to work your way back up or did it ever even leave?</strong>
For the rest of this exclusive interview, go to KnockoutNation.com.
