Cover image via Manny Pacquiao Official Page
So we've heard the news that Manny Pacquiao was reported to be 'planning to take a leave of absence', after his induction at the Philippine Senate
Reports said that Top Rank CEO Bob Arum told Boxingscene.com that Pacquiao is looking for another opponent for a possible return fight and is working with Senate President Franklin Drilon to figure out how to can go on a break to train said in a report of [Inquirer.](http://sports.inquirer.net/216126/pacquiao-planning-senate-leave-to-prepare-for-next-fight-arum)
"He is going to fight. I don't know what the date is. He is working with the President of the Philippine Senate for an appropriate date where he can leave the Philippines for two or three weeks to prepare for a fight," said Arum.
**Pacquiao earlier announced back in April he would be retiring from boxing, after a unanimous decision win over Timothy Bradley, to focus on his political career.**
However, through a Facebook post Pacquiao cleared that he has no plans to take a leave
And wrote the following:
OFFICE OF HON. EMMANUEL D. PACQUIAO
SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES
PRESS STATEMENT
THERE IS NO TRUTH TO MEDIA REPORTS THAT I'M PLANNING TO TAKE A LEAVE FROM MY SENATE DUTIES JUST TO FIGHT AGAIN ATOP THE RING.
I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR – MY PRIORITY IS MY LEGISLATIVE WORKS.
MY NEXT FIGHT HAS NOT YET BEEN DISCUSSED. SHOULD THERE BE ANY, I'LL MAKE SURE IT WILL NOT INTERFERE WITH MY SENATE DUTIES.
WHEN I RAN FOR SENATOR LAST MAY 9 ELECTIONS, I MADE A PROMISE TO BE PRESENT IN ALL SESSIONS.
I OWE IT TO THE PEOPLE.
IF EVER I DECIDE TO FIGHT AGAIN, REST ASSURED, IT WILL HAPPEN WHEN CONGRESS IS ON RECESS SO THERE'S NO NEED FOR ME TO GO ON LEAVE.
THE ENTIRE TRAINING WILL BE DONE IN THE PHILIPPINES TO ENSURE I CAN ATTEND SESSIONS EVEN WHILE ON TRAINING CAMP.
BOXING IS MY ONLY MEANS OF LIVELIHOOD TO SUPPORT MY FAMILY AND TO HELP THOSE WHO ARE IN NEED.
POLITICS, TO ME, IS A VOCATION NOT A MEANS TO EKE OUT A LIVING.
I WANT TO MAINTAIN THAT BELIEF. I WANT TO KEEP MY DIGNITY INTACT WHILE IN PUBLIC SERVICE.
MAY GOD CONTINUE TO GUIDE AND BLESS ALL OUR ENDEAVORS.
