Manny Pacquiao to face welterweight champion Jessie Vargas in comeback fight

Manny Pacquiao has confirmed his opponent for his comeback fight - WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas.

Last month Top Rank promoter Bob Arum confirmed to ESPN that Manny Pacquiao was set to feature in the main event of the HBO PPV card in Las Vegas on 5th November. Now in a statement released this week, Pacquiao confirmed his intentions to return to boxing in the winter.

"Yes, the fight is on. I have agreed to a November 5 fight with reigning WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas," he said. "Boxing is my main source of income. I can't rely on my salary as a 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. "My entire training camp will be held here in the Philippines so I can attend to my legislative work [Pacquiao is a congressmen holding a senate seat in his native Philippines]. This is my campaign promise and I'm determined to keep it."

(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Two time Mexican National Champion Jessie Vargas is the current WBO welterweight champion after defeating American Saddam Ali in March 2016 via TKO. With a current fight record of 27-1, the young boxer will be a formidable opponent for a returning Pacquiao. While a venue has not yet been announced for the fight though it is believed the pair will square off in Las Vegas, most likely at the Thomas & Mack Center. Read more