The fight of his life

Manila: Manny Pacquiao, World Boxing Council super featherweight champion, is confident he can wrest three-time Congresswoman Darlene Antonino-Custodio's seat in southern Philippines' General Santos City.

Pacquiao, 28, is running for Congress under President Gloria Arroyo's KAMPI party. Custodio, 32, an opposition stalwart, was a key figure in a failed impeachment bid against Arroyo two years ago.

"(Sunday) is the weigh-in. And I feel great. I'm excited," Pacquiao said in an interview with the Philippine Star.

His boxing prowess may have made him a national icon and hometown hero in South Cotabato province, also in Mindanao, but his opponent belongs to a dynasty that has ruled the province since 1961.

Antonino-Custodio blames the government for her province's lack of development since 2005, alleging a stonewalling of funds.

Pacquiao said that he was serious about staying in the political ring, replacing boxing in his long-term agenda. "I can balance boxing and politics," he told sports reporters. "I only have three or four more years in the sport, then it's politics."

Political analysts have said that Pacquiao is being used to help Arroyo dislodge a powerful opponent.