Manila: Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao returned to the Philippines on Saturday, fresh from his latest victory in the ring, saying he would now focus on fighting poverty in the political arena.
Speaking at a courtesy call with President Benigno Aquino, Pacquiao, 31, said that he would help the country as a congressman after winning a historic eighth world title.
"I don't want to say I will retire (from boxing.) There are still some fights in my future, but for now, let us forget boxing and focus on service... especially helping those in my district," Pacquiao told reporters.
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Pacquiao, who was elected congressman of the impoverished southern province of Sarangani in May, brushed aside questions he would someday run for president.
"I am not that ambitious. That is not in my thoughts now. My work as a congressman, that is my focus," he replied.
In a joint press conference with Aquino, Pacquiao said he was willing to serve as a "poster boy" for the country's tourism industry and in peace talks with Muslim separatist rebels in the south, where he is held in high regard.
However Aquino said the government did not want to ask too much of the boxing hero, who won the World Boxing Council super welterweight title by beating Mexican Antonio Margarito in Texas on November 13.
"We have too many tasks for Manny," Aquino laughed.
The boxer later presented Aquino with a miniature replica of his boxing championship belt and a souvenir "Team Pacquiao" T-shirt.
Pacquiao said he would attend the next sessions of the House of Representatives on Monday to Wednesday before returning to the south on Thursday.
He said he was serious about bringing development and investment to Sarangani after his boxing fame and wealth helped him get elected congressman in recent elections.
Pacquiao's return to his home country was relatively subdued with the boxing hero forgoing the usual welcome parade that traditionally takes place after his boxing victories overseas.
"He really wants it low-key. It's a Saturday and most of the people are resting in their homes," Pacquiao's business manager Eric Pineda told AFP.
But Pacquiao will still have a two-hour victory concert later on Saturday at a popular shopping mall, Pineda said.
Pacquiao is considered a national hero in the Philippines with the country virtually coming to a standstill whenever he fights.
His boxing earnings and his numerous commercial endorsements have made the once dirt-poor Pacquiao fabulously wealth. Forbes magazine listed him last year as the world's sixth highest paid athlete with earnings of 40 million dollars.
While Pacquiao has talked about retiring, many Filipinos still want to see him fight, particularly against unbeaten American boxer Floyd Mayweather, to prove once and for all who really is the best boxer of their generation.
