Pacquiao, who is coming off a unanimous decision win over Timothy Bradley in their trilogy fight last April, will be facing newly-crowned WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas while Donaire is expected to square off with mandatory challenger Jessie Magdaleno, who is unbeaten in 23 pro fights.
After winning a senate seat in the national elections held last May 9, Pacquiao had a hard time deciding on the timing of his next fight as he made a commitment to his constituents that he will work full time as senator if elected. Pacquiao has been widely criticized for being an absentee congressman during his 3-year term.
To keep his promise to the electorate, Pacquiao has decided to fight on Nov. 5 when the senate is on break. He met with his promoter Bob Arum in Manila to finalize his fight schedule.
After the meeting which was also attended by Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz and Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee, Pacquiao said the Vargas fight is on.
“Yes, the fight is on. I have agreed to a Nov. 5 fight with reigning WBO Welterweight champion Jessie Vargas,” Senator Pacquiao bared. Read more.
For his part Donaire is coming off a TKO win over Zsolt Bedak of Hungary last April and will be defending his WBO bantamweight title for the second time.
Donaire’s next foe hasn’t been officially confirmed but it appears that he is headed to face mandatory challenger Jessie Magdaleno, who is unbeaten in 23 professional fights.
“We have the mandatory which is Jessie Magdaleno and whatever it is, whatever opportunity is out there, I’ve always been the type to be willing to fight anybody that they give me,” said Donaire on Boxing Scene.
It will be the first time the two most popular Filipino boxers will appear together in one big championship fight.
