Pacquiao considering run for Philippines presidency
MACAU: Philippine boxing great Manny Pacquiao is harbouring thoughts of running for president in his beloved homeland when he finally hangs up his gloves.
Giving his strongest hint yet that he will push to the top of the political tree when he finally retires from the ring, the ‘Pacman’ — a hero and congressman in his home country — admitted he had considered the presidency of the 95 million-strong nation.
When pressed on whether he had thought about shooting for the top job, the softly spoken 34-year-old replied ‘‘Yes’’.
Drawing parallels between his pugilism and politics careers, the former world champion in eight weight divisions said: ‘‘When I started boxing, of course I was planning, you know and thinking about getting to become a champion. So when I enter politics it’s the same thing.’’
Before that, however, Pacquiao whose record stands at 54 wins, five losses and two draws, must concentrate on his bout with US fighter Brandon Rios, kicking off at the Venetian resort-hotel in Macau on Nov 24.
It is probably make or break time for Pacquiao’s boxing career. Despite his last fight ending in a disastrous knockout, when Juan Manuel Marquez caught him with a huge right hand that saw the Filipino crumple to the canvas — his second successive defeat — Pacquiao refuses to entertain the notion that he will lose a third straight bout, or retire.
He said he was ‘‘100 percent’’ sure he would beat Rios (31-1-1), giving him one more chance to regain his credibility — and potentially another shot at a world title.
‘‘He’s OK but I can say he’s a greasy fighter and he loves to fight inside, he loves to fight toe-to-toe,’’ he said on Saturday as he kicked off a promotional tour for the Rios battle.
‘‘This is going to be a good fight — more action in the ring. Hopefully he won’t run away.’’
Pacquiao insists he is as fit as ever, will focus on not leaving himself open to Marquez-style punishment, and has ignored calls from friends, family and media commentators, fearful for his health, to call it a day.