Pacquiao plays down presidency talk, eyes upcoming fight
LOS ANGELES: Manny Pacquiao played down reports linking him to a bid for the presidency of the Philippines on Wednesday, insisting he was solely focused on the twilight of his boxing career.
The 40-year-old boxer, already a member of the Philippines Senate, has been repeatedly linked to a future run for the presidency in his homeland where he remains a national hero.
But Pacquiao said on Wednesday he had put any future political aspirations on hold as he prepared to defend his World Boxing Association regular welterweight title against Adrien Broner on Jan 19 in Las Vegas.
“A lot of people are saying that I can be the next president,” Pacquiao said. “But I’m not thinking about that. I don’t have plans right now. Whatever path that God gives to me I will fulfil it.”
“Being a public servant is different from sports. It’s more on the mind and a lot of problems, thinking about how to solve those problems in the country, and provide solutions to those problems.”
Pacquiao is reuniting with longtime trainer Freddie Roach for his clash with Broner.
Roach, who had worked with Pacquiao for 15 years before they parted ways in 2017, said he was convinced the Filipino was eyeing a future run for the presidency.
“I haven’t spoken to him to about running for president, but he wants to help the people and the best way to help people is to be the boss.”