Manny Pacquiao vs Brandon Rios Update: Pacquiao Plans To Dedicate Boxing Match to Typhoon Haiyan Victims

Manny Pacquiao will have added motivation when he steps on the ring in his fight against Brandon Rios on Nov. 23 at the Cotai Arena in Macau.

Aside from trying to prove that he is still one of the best boxers in the world, Pacquiao vowed to be at his best on Fight Night to bring hope and inspiration to his countrymen that were affected by Typhoon Haiyan.

Pacquiao said that he is disappointed that he cannot be with his countrymen, many of whom were hit by the devastating typhoon, due to his commitment to training camp, but he vowed to help once he gets the opportunity.

"I really want to visit the area and personally do what I can to help our countrymen who have suffered so much in this terrible tragedy. But I'm in deep training for a crucial fight so I regret I cannot go," Pacquiao said in a statement via ESPN. "I will send help to those who need it the most and I enjoin all of you to pray for our country and people in these trying times."

Trainer Freddie Roach said that the unfortunate turn of events in the Philippines is becoming a distraction in their training camp, but Roach quickly clarified that Pacquiao remains on track to reach his peak fighting shape before the fight.

"While he's focused on the fight, obviously it's a distraction because he cares about his people," Roach said. "We talk about it in the gym. He is concerned about it, yes, but he is pretty much on track for the fight."

Pacquiao's adviser Michael Koncz added that Pacquiao tried to persuade them to give him the chance to visit the areas that were badly devastated by Typhoon Haiyan, which claimed at least 2,500 lives and destroyed thousands of homes. However, they convinced Pacquiao to delay his visit and focus on training camp instead.

"Manny's desire was to go to that area and to visit them and lift the spirits. But we have the most important fight of his career," Koncz said.