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

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.