Although Manny Pacquiao is unable to visit the areas in the Philippines devastated by Typhoon Haiwan, the victims are on his mind - Pacquiao has dedicated his next fight, against Brandon Rios on Nov. 24, to the typhoon victims.
Pacquiao said he can't visit the victims of Typhoon Haiwan because of the training he's undergoing for his upcoming welterweight fight against Rios.
"I really want to visit the area and personally do what I can to help our contryment who have suffered so much in this terrible tragedy. But I'm in deep training for a crucial fight so I regret I cannot go," Pacquiao said in a statement, via the Associated Press. "... I will send help to those who need it the most, and I enjoin all of you to pray for our country and people in these trying times."
The 34-year-old Filipino, who hasn't fought since Dec. 8, 2012, travels to Macau on Monday to finish his preparation ahead of the fight. Pacquiao is adamant to prove his skill hasn't diminished with age.
"Manny's desire was to go to that area (affected by the typhoon) and to visit them and lift the spirits," Pacquiao's adviser, Michael Koncz, said. "But we have the most important fight of his career. His heart and prayers go out to the survivors and the victim's families. Absolutely, he is dedicating this fight to the victims of this."
Asked whether Typhoon Haiwan is a distraction for Pacquiao, Koncz answered: "Manny knows how to manage himself. He's been in the game a long time and knows his body better than anyone else. He's in that zone right now, he's ready. If he had to go tomorrow, he'd be ready."
Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KOs) hasn't won a fight in nearly two years.
