Seven-division champion Manny Pacquiao took some time out from training for his Nov. 13 fight against Antonio Margarito to talk with us about his career, his job as a congressman in the Philippines and his upcoming opponent.
FOXSports.com: Freddie Roach was talking about how there were more distractions this time around with your commitments to Congress while you were in the Philippines.
Pacquiao: For me it's not a distraction. It's just managing your time. It's commitments, it's responsibilities I have. People were saying it's the worst training camp we've had. I think it's the worst for them because they're not comfortable in the Philippines, they're not comfortable where we were, in Baguio. But I feel great. I feel 100 percent conditioned.
FOXSports.com: How hard was it for you to divide your time between the two jobs?
Pacquiao: They gave me some time off in Congress. My staff there is handling everything.
FOXSports.com: What has the experience in Congress been like for you?
Pacquiao: It's been good. It's fun. It's great to help people. It's great to make a difference and improve people's lives.
FOXSports.com: Are you able to use your boxing skills — obviously the mental part — in Congress?
Pacquiao: Yes. After I lost the 2007 election, it's like when you get knocked down and you have to get back up. But also, you have to be persistent to fight through the corruption.
FOXSports.com: Freddie said the fight with Margarito is one you've wanted for a while. What made him an attractive opponent for you?
Pacquiao: Just his style. He's a guy who just keeps coming forward and never quits. He's a tough guy. I like fighting tough people.
FOXSports.com: What do you think his best skills are as a fighter?
Pacquiao: I think it's his toughness.
FOXSports.com: How do you think your skills match up against his?
Pacquiao: I think my skills are perfect for him. My speed and my quickness versus his size. It's going to be a great fight.
FOXSports.com: A lot has been made of Margarito's hand-wrap scandal. Did that cross your mind at all while the fight was being negotiated?
Pacquiao: No. Either he didn't know about it when it happened, or he's paid his debt to society.
FOXSports.com: I know he looks at this fight as a redemption fight for him. Does that make him more dangerous?
Pacquiao: Yes. I think he's a dangerous opponent no matter what. With the hand wraps, that fight you can basically not count it. There was too much distraction for him during that fight. But he's a very dangerous opponent. He's a strong guy. He's one of the best welterweights ever.
FOXSports.com: Now that you have an important job outside of boxing, how long do you think you can keep doing both jobs?
Pacquiao: I love my job as a boxer. I'm also beginning to love my job as a congressman. It's fun right now. But I'm preparing myself for the future, also. I can't box forever. I plan on fighting maybe another year, another two years. After that I have to prepare myself and my family for life after boxing.
FOXSports.com: What more do you feel you need to accomplish in the ring?
Pacquiao: I don't feel like I have to accomplish anything anymore. It's just giving back to my fans. They're very supportive. They have been very helpful in my career. I want to give them the best fights. More action, more entertainment.
FOXSports.com: This will be your second fight at Cowboys Stadium. How do you like fighting there?
Pacquiao: It's amazing. It's awesome. The stadium is nothing like I've ever seen before. They do a great job promoting. It's a great fight environment.
FOXSports.com: There was some footage of you sparring with Amir Khan on HBO's 24/7 show. What do you think of him as a fighter?
Pacquiao: Amir is a good friend. He's a really good fighter. He's fast. Quick. Freddie and him work well together, also. He's going to be a great fighter someday.
FOXSports.com: Do you think you'll ever be able to work things out for a fight with Floyd Mayweather?
Pacquiao: I hope so. I think that's what the fans really deserve after following our careers and supporting us. I think the fans deserve that fight. I'd like to give that fight to the fans. It's up to him if he wants to fight me. I am ready anytime.
FOXSports.com: How is this fight going to turn out against Margarito?
Pacquiao: I never predict my fights. I promise to always be the best Manny Pacquiao in the ring. I promise that this will be action-filled. I promise I will do my best to give everybody a good show.
