Sport | Other Sports

Manny Pacquiao's political arena: the end of his boxing career?

To strengthen his political bid, Pacquiao has set up his own party, the People's Champ Movement

  • By Irish Eden Belleza, Web Coordinator - Business
  • Published: 17:09 November 9, 2009

  • Image Credit: AP
  • Boxer Manny Pacquiao, of the Philippines, trains during a media boxing workout in Los Angeles

Dubai: Philippine boxing hero Manny Pacquiao aspires to enter another fight but not inside the boxing ring.

In May this year, Pacquiao declared his intention to run for the Philippine Congress in next year's elections despite a previous election defeat and an upcoming bout with three-time world champion Miguel Cotto.
 
Pacquiao ran for a congressional seat to represent the 1st district of South Cotabato, but he was defeated by Darlene Antonino-Custodio. Custodio won 139,061 votes, whereas Pacquiao received 75,908 votes.
 
“I’ve decided and actually I’ve already announced that I will run next year for a congressional seat (same position) in Saranggani, Mindanao where my wife comes from,” Manny told Gulf News.

Video: A round with Manny Pacquiao
 
He said that he will have enough time to campaign as the national elections are still slated for May next year. His fight with Miguel Cotto is on November 14. To strengthen his political bid, Pacquiao has set up his own party, the People's Champ Movement.
 
Pacquiao's great victories over such formidable opponents as Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales, Hector Velasquez, Oscar Larios, Jorge Solis and David Diaz sealed his place as the Philippines' most popular celebrity.

But it was his recent convincing victories over Oscar de la Hoya and Ricky Hatton that sealed his status as an international icon.
 
Political observers noted that the public largely voted against him during the previous election because they did not want Pacquiao's attention to be diverted away from boxing.
 
Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum, however, has been one of the most ardent supporters of his political ambitions. Arum even endorses 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.
 
Asked by Gulf News if he will retire from boxing in the event that he wins in the May 2010 election, Pacquiao said: “Maybe, I can’t really decide yet. It will depend on the situation once I’m elected. We will see.”

Will Manny Pacquiao be as good a politician as he is a boxer? Or should he stick to the boxing arena? Do you support his move? Join the debate.

Related Links

Comments (8)

  1. Added 22:41 November 10, 2009

    Pacquiao is a good and kind man. I see his attitude. very humble. hope he will never change. Politics in Philippines is not good because of corruption. Hope if he will become a congressman, he will not like others.

    Anonymous, cebu, Philippines

  2. Added 17:04 November 10, 2009

    It is not necessary for Manny Pacquiao to enter politics. If he wants to help his fellowmen, he can do it in so many ways outside the world of politics. He can put a foundation where in he will give scholarship programme for all deserving students and youths who cannot afford to continue their studies in college. He can also build a boxing gym for all aspiring boxers in the future, give them free training and seminars at the same time take them in school for studies. For elder people who wish to make small business in their home, provide them an amount payable for a year and if possible without interest. I fell the willingness of Pacquiao in helping for people but politics is not the best way he can extend his hand to people.

    Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  3. Added 16:37 November 10, 2009

    the saying says: you can't have it all... kung saan kang larangan ng buhay magaling, just stay and focus on it... i always believe that God created us equally.. for manny, you are a well known person, you dont need to be a congressman or a president to help people.. help people in your own way...

    Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  4. Added 14:20 November 10, 2009

    I think Many should stay for boxing for now...politics can wait.

    Anonymous, CDO, Philippines

  5. Added 14:04 November 10, 2009

    I think he should not run for congress, politics arena is totally different from boxing. He can still help people without having position in the government.

    Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  6. Added 14:04 November 10, 2009

    He shouldn't enter into politics. If he really wanted to help other people, he can do it in his own way not thru politics. He can build gyms for young boxing fanatics, build schools for street children, or help farmers/fishermen/vendors etc thru microfinancing.

    Anonymous, Tagbilaran City, Philippines

  7. Added 08:54 November 10, 2009

    I believed he has done a great career in boxing! Whether he win or lose to this upcoming fight of him, for sure what he had done from all his fast battles will overshadow any negative results, and Filipino people will still love him, his chances of winning in this coming election will be high, even if he win or lose over MC. The word sympathy will play a huge role to his political ambition,if he wins from this fight that will be great! if he failed, he just need to stood his ground and proved himself and to the Filipino people that losing from a battle which he had battling and winning for many years, is only part of life in reality. Those people who are saying that he should stay in his boxing career, be ashamed with your selves, common guys?! His in 30's, Im sure you do not want him see fighting and keep on losing in his 40's, right! Now is the right time to divert what he is good at, politics. Remember what is his reason in fighting?( to unite the people ) and he does it everytime he fight. To those people who don't believe in him that he will not be a good leader? Will, shamed on you all again. PacMan is not born as a BOXER, he just got into the sport to earn for a living and to help his family, and with the determination, self respect, and all his training, all his goals and desires are achieved. I believed doing the same in this new path he is aiming, will earn him the same faith in his new endeavor in life.

    Elmer DG, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  8. Added 08:54 November 10, 2009

    It's better for him to stay his boxing career. Politics will make him sick and if he realy wanted to care and help the people in his province. He can do it without a position..........

    Anonymous, Pampanga, Philippines

More from Other sports

  1. Apply for UK visa early, diplomat says

  2. NOC and BP in strategic tie-up

  3. UAE aim for London gold

  4. UAE aiming high for London Olympic Games

All articles in Other sports

More from Sport

Popular in Sport
Misbah-ul-Haq

Cricket

Misbah: Afghanistan can be a worthy competitor

Lee Westwood follows his shot on the third day of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic

Golf

Westwood confident of riding his lead to the top

Shaikh Hazza, the winner of The President’s Cup endurance ride, finishing the last loop

Endurance

Shaikh Hazza takes President's Cup

Sport Editor's choice