Congressman Manny Pacquiao?
Manny Pacquiao has been unstoppable in the ring, but what about in politics?
By KURT HELIN
Updated 7:21 AM PDT, Wed, Dec 2, 2009
Manny Pacquiao wants to move from gloved boxing to the bare-knuckled world of politics.
The world’s best pound-for-pound fighter, who trains in Hollywood, is going to make a run a seat in the congress of his native Philippines. He wants to represent his home district of Sarangani, and he will run under the People’s Champ Movement party, recently created just for him.
Why not? After watching his last few fights, who would dare stand up against Pacquiao in a campaign or on the floor of the legislature?
Well, apparently at least one person, as there are reports of someone considering challenging Pacquiao for the seat. And while Pacquiao has looked invincible in the ring, he has lost the only other time he ran for congress back in 2007 (for another district). Add to that the Sarangani province is currently represented by Rep. Erwin Chiongbian, part of a family political dynasty in the area not ready to give up power, and you can see where a challenge might come from. Especially after Pacquiao basically accused the outgoing representative of not doing anything for the region.
If an opponent does enter the race (they have to decide by Wednesday), it could change or even kill the much-anticipated fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr.
If Pacquiao is unopposed then there is no need to spend a bunch of time back home campaigning. So he can spend more time training and the fight promoters can spend more time promoting, and the fight can take place May 1. But if there is opposition, if Pacquiao does need to go one and campaign, then the fight would need to be moved up to March 13. A date Mayweather may or may not agree to.
Pacquiao has stepped in the ring -- he filed his paperwork. And like a good fighter, he has already taken a jab about the outgoing representative to see if it shakes loose a potential challenger.
Pacquiao is ready for a fight. The question is if it is in Vegas against Mayweather or in the Philippines for a congressional seat.
Copyright NBC Local Media
First Published: Dec 1, 2009 1:38 PM PDT
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