The 37 year-old dominated yet another world champion to secure a second successive win since losing out to Floyd Mayweather in 2015 and has looked invincible since undergoing shoulder surgery to fix a problem which flared up during the Las Vegas super-fight.
Pacquiao said the ailment was to blame for a lacklustre performance in the most lucrative fight of all time and is hopeful of gaining a second chance at Mayweather after proving his credentials against Vargas and previously Timothy Bradley.
“I feel young. I feel like I’m just 25, or that I’m just 28 years old,” Pacquiao told ABS-CBN television.
“I still believe in my skills. You just need discipline, how you discipline yourself and work hard. Because once you get lazy, that’s the start of the decline of your performance and your body.”
Asked if he still wants the Mayweather fight, Pacquiao: “Of course, if he wants to come back (to) boxing.”
Mayweather, 39, has time and again denied any desire to return to the ring for a 50th time despite having the opportunity to earn up to $250 million for a rematch with the Filipino Senator.
‘Money’ equalled Rocky Marciano’s retirement record in his final bout against Andre Berto in September 2015 but so far seems content with his 49-0 record despite Pacquiao’s continued advances.
