Manny Pacquiao claims he is “not afraid to die” as he helps fight the coronavirus in his native Philippines.
Pacquiao is a senator in his homeland and has shelved plans for a comeback in July to focus on battling the killer virus.
The legendary eight-division world champion has helped pay for 50,000 testing kits and 700,000 face masks for his fellow Filipinos.
Pacquiao, 41, claims he is not scared that he will catch the virus and die because he should be in the front line helping.
“If you are a leader, you have to lead and let the people see that you are with them,” he said. “You must not hide because you are afraid. I grew up poor so I know what they feel.”
Pacquiao was in talks to return to the ring in July and he has not fought since beating Keith Thurman to win the WBA Super welterweight title last July.
He claims his return is on hold while the coronavirus ravages the world.
“This is the first thing we need to pay attention to,” he said.
Pacquiao claims the Filipino authorities must feed the people living on the streets or they may be reduced to looting.
“That’s chaos and that’s what I fear could happen.”
