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First it was Floyd Mayweather who hung up his boots and now Manny Pacquiao has announced that he would be retiring next year after his final bout to focus on his political ambitions.
The Filipino legend has an enviable resume that includes eight world titles in different weight divisions and thinks his time in the ring is up. "I think I'm ready (to retire). I've been in boxing for more than 20 years," said "The Mexicutioner”.
A staunch Christian, Manny said the god almighty was his biggest guide and said, “I prayed to God for guidance and I am happy about it.” Manny’s career started at a very tender age as he turned pro when he was 16 years old. Over the years, he has amassed a solid record that includes 57 wins, 38 of them via knockout and six losses out of which, three ended in knockouts and two in a draw.
His last fight was billed as the fight of the century as he squared up against Floyd “Money” Mayweather that ended up in a unanimous decison victory for Mayweather. The bout raked in an unprecedented amount of money and is the richest fight in boxing history. Props have to given to Manny who fought the fight with a torn rotator cuff on his right shoulder.
"I will have to give up the other things that require my attention. If you are a senator, your focus should only be your job and your family," said Pacquiao. Manny’s political aspirations have always been known as he has been a congressman since 2010. He has made his intentions clear of bidding for a senate seat in the national elections that are to be held in the month of May next year.
It is always a spectacle to witness a legendary boxer’s final bout and Manny says that he plans on having his final outing in the ring in March next year and his opponent is yet to be decided. Manny would love to have his rematch against Floyd and has not ruled out the possibility of the same even though “Money” fought his retirement match and bid adieu to the boxing world last month.
Manny’s rise from a street vendor to a legendary boxer that transcended into a career in politics and showbiz is a testament of the vision and dedication of the “Pacman”. He was once touted on being a future president of the Philipines and is surely on the path of translating it into reality. He represents the southern province of Sarangani in the lower house of the congress and has been a victim of criticism from all quarters due to his minimal attendance in the lower house. He has been part of a mere 4 legislative sessions out of a probable 70 and the reason being his various other sporting commitments.
"I will not be absent because the whole country will be my responsibility," he said by defending his poor record. Political analysts and pre-election polls have clearly stated the fact that Manny is a front runner to end up winning the 12 senatorial posts that are up for grabs, in spite of his poor attendance.
The reason for it being his simpatico with the Filipinos, who see him as an unconditional hero. Political analyst Ramon Casiple predicts that there is nothing that could stop Manny from sweeping the polls and becoming a senate. “The perception is that he is approachable, he has an empathy for Filipinos,” said the political analyst.
He was of the opinion though that Manny’s popularity would not guarantee him potential presidency in the future as he would be up against equally well-known figures and that he would constantly be under the radar of the media. “His popularity will not be much of an advantage because he will (then) be up against people who are also well-known,” said Ramon.
Although Manny has his own political outfit, he didn’t rule out the option of running for senate under the Vice President Jejomar Binay’s party, who is currently the chief opposition leader and the presidential candidate for the upcoming elections next year.
The bottom line is this; boxing fanatics better gear up to witness one of the greatest and grittiest boxers of our generation in his ultimate bout before Pacman moves on to fulfill his dream of becoming a senate first and a then future president of the Philippines down the line.
