The 37 year-old reacted to public statements by Arum instructing the Top Rank boss to begin looking for opponents for a swift end to Pacquiao’s April retirement from boxing.
In a statement released on Tuesday, newly-elected Senator Pacquiao said the following from his home country of the Philippines:
“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,” he said.
“My next fight has not yet been discussed. Should there be any, I’ll make sure it will not interfere with my senate duties.”
Despite the denials, Pacquiao did admit that making money through his political work may not be feasible moving forward and a comeback that didn’t interfere with his duties could be on the cards.
“Boxing is my only means of livelihood to support my family and to help those who are in need,” outlined Pacquiao. “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,” he added.
Pacquiao last fought when decisively out-pointing Timothy Bradley in a third contest between the two last spring and has been linked to a two-belt super-lightweight clash with the winner of Terence Crawford v Viktor Postol.