Manny Pacquiao will prepare for exhibition like it's a championship fight

Manny Pacquiao's next ring appearance is merely a six-round exhibition, but he nevertheless plans to be in tip-top shape when he gets in the ring against South Korean martial artist DK Yoo in December in South Korea.

Pacquiao, 43, announced his retirement last year before his presidential bid and last saw action against Yordenis August this past August where he lost via unanimous decision. A first-ballot Hall of Famer, Pacquiao called it quits with a record of 62-8-2 with 39 knockouts.

"Our focus is the same; I would prepare as if this is a championship fight.  This is different compared to martial arts like taekwondo, this is boxing," Pacquiao said.

"We need to train hard in boxing because this is hard. We cannot kick and we need stamina. I have to prepare for this and I still have a lot of time to do so."

Asked about his physique months after his retirement and what had been a brutal political campaign season, the retired eight-division champion said his conditioning is just fine as he gets to play ball from time to time.

"My conditioning is okay because somehow I get to play basketball sometimes. I have months to get me to a hundred percent condition," Pacquiao said.

—MGP, GMA News