Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao admits the “end is near” as far as his boxing career is concerned, noting that he intends to be a full-time politician once he hangs his gloves.
"I can no longer stay in boxing for long,” Pacquiao, who has been a prizefighter for two decades, was quoted by Philboxing website. “About one or two more fights."
His wife, Jinkee, wants Pacquiao to retire right after his mega showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 2 in Las Vegas. In a television interview, she said she doesn't want to see Pacquaio suffer anymore from his fights, especially with the Filipino boxer’s age.
Dubai fans gave a range of opinions on what Pacquiao should do next.
“He is already at the highest peak of his career. He has fought the best boxers in the world. Retirement will let him enjoy his life and hard-earned wealth,” said Francis Erwin Dimarucut, an Insurance Adjuster. “On the other hand, fans will surely miss their idol, especially in the Philippines where the crime rate drops to zero whenever Pacquiao has a boxing match.”
He adds: “If he really wants to help and serve us Filipinos, he can help through his own foundation not through politics.”
For Rocky Pabalan who works as a Baggage Service Agent, Pacquiao should set aside his political ambitions after his boxing career. “I think Pacquiao's reason for being a politician is he really wants to change the dirty image of Philippine politics. But I guess this is not the solution. It's better for him to continue inspiring people to become closer to God. He can serve in other ways as well.”
For her part, Property Handover Executive Clarissa Rondina says, “There are so many ways to help or serve the country and the Filipinos. For him to continue his political career seems not right.”
In an earlier exclusive interview, Pacquiao told Gulf News that he will concentrate on serving the Filipinos as a politician after retiring from boxing.
He said his ambitions transcend boxing as he considers the sport a vehicle in his pursuit of a life-long passion to help his countrymen.
"I can't resist the urge to help,” he said. “It's in my system. I want the Filipino people to always remember that Manny Pacquiao always fought for them, for the people."
Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum, has been one of the most ardent supporters of his political ambitions.
Arum has even endorsed Pacquiao for the presidency. “In the future, if Manny Pacquiao will run for Philippine president, I will support him for that,” Bob Arum told Gulf News during a previous interview.
Pacquiao is currently on his second term as congressman of Sarangani.
