Will Pacquiao's political career negatively affect his ring performance?
There is no doubt that the current pound-for-pound king, Manny Pacquiao, is capable of rising above difficult circumstances. Considered a national icon in his native land, he can't avoid the media and flashing cameras. Even the remote tribes of indigenous people in the Philippines know who he is and what he has done.
He produces, acts, and sings in the local show business scene. Contrary to what some may say about the man being shy and reserved, Manny Pacquiao is extremely extroverted. He feeds from the attention and the "positive" reaction he brings out in people. But he is not your typical attention-hungry sports celebrity; he is a unique one. He wants to entertain and inspire. In other words, he just wants to help.
That innate sense of compassion to his people transcends beyond giving charitable contributions and sharing his wealth with the poor. As if his impact to society is not enough, he wants to help his ailing country legislatively. Pacquiao—a smart man, but not fortunate enough to get formal education—studied, albeit late, the ins and outs of political science in order to become an effective legislator.
Interestingly, his first attempt at a congressional seat was a dud. It was in 2007 that he lost the election against incumbent representative Darlene Antonino-Custodio. At that time, people were just not ready to lose their boxing champ; Pacquiao had a lot going for him in the boxing ring. Even his political rival was in agreement. She said, "More than anything, I think, people weren't prepared to lose him as their boxing icon."
He continued to make boxing history by demolishing legends and heavy-hitters. Amidst all of these, he still continued making movies, appearing in TV shows, singing, and create local showbiz buzz. But he did not easily let go of his political ambition. He ran for congress once again, but this time in his wife's hometown, Sarangani province.
It was on May 13 of this year that he was proclaimed as the new congressman of Sarangani. As a lawmaker, he is obliged to attend congressional functions and he is apparently serious about his legislative office work. He is obviously passionate about his newfound career and wants to accomplish great things with it.
There is one problem. The pound-for-pound king is still taking on new and difficult challenges in the sport, making his name iconic. Fans want the champ to provide exciting fights (especially against Mayweather). Now that his match with Antonio Margarito is just around the corner, Pacquiao needs to be in tip-top shape in order to put on a good show. But this time, there’s going to be an active politician inside the ring throwing six-punch combinations.
Manny excels under pressure. But this time, even his countrymen are divided in their opinions. Some want him to stop fighting, as there is nothing left to prove. Others want him to continue to fight. If this decision is troubling Pacquiao in any way, the Margarito bout could have not come at a better time. At the end of this fight, fans will be able to decide whether or not Pacquiao should continue to fight, or settle into his new role as a lawmaker.
Tags: