Eight division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao?s victory in the recent Senatorial elections has moved him a step towards a possible the presidency of the Philippines.
Sky Sports in Britain reported that Pacquiao (58-6-2, 38KO) called time on a glittering boxing career after outpointing Timothy Bradley on April 9, and is ?transcending his success into politics, where he secured over 16 million votes in the recent Filipino elections? where he finished seventh among the twelve elected candidates.
While Sky Sports said ?When his fights were aired on television, Pacquiao's immense popularity was known to bring the Philippines to a stand still.?
Despite losing the so-called 'Fight of the Century' against Floyd Mayweather in May 2015, Pacquiao produced some of the modern era's most entertaining performances, including a knockout victory against Ricky Hatton in 2009.
Pacquiao reiterated his desire to retire from the sport following the Mayweather defeat but has left the door open to a ring return, with this summer's Rio Olympics a possible target.
After the AIBA ruled professional boxers eligible to compete in the Games, the 37 year old Pacquiao stated he would give 'careful consideration' to appearing in Brazil saying "I need to ask if the Filipino people will allow me to participate in the Olympics."
Pacquiao came under constant criticism for attending only four sessions as two-term representative of Sarangani province in the House of Representatives but somehow was able to weather the storm after his lopsided victory over Bradley and the claim that many congressmen merely attended the roll-call and then disappeared resulting in a lck of quorum to take up important legislation.
Photo: Pacquiao (C) takes oath as a senator of the Philippines. Reuters photo.
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