LOS ANGELES ? There?s no room for politics. Not now when he?s just seven days away from the biggest boxing match of all time.
Manny Pacquiao has appealed to his friends in government to let him focus on his fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 2 in Las Vegas.
?After the fight, please ,? said a Pacquiao lieutenant.
Over the past few days, whether Pacquiao is training at the park, at the gym or he?s simply home, Filipino politicians try to see him.
Others insist. Others don?t.
?There are those who understand that he needs to focus on the fight,? said the Pacquiao aide who asked not to be identified. Sportshub ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
?I hope they all understand. Pacquiao can?t talk politics now,? he said.
The Philippine elections are set in May next year, and this early, there?s jockeying for position for those seeking office.
Pacquiao said he might run for senator.
The 36-year-old boxing legend is the most popular among government officials, perhaps even bigger than the President himself.
If Pacquiao beats Mayweather, they will all seek his endorsement.
Pacquiao, a two-term congressman in Sarangani, takes visitors to his $2 million home at Larchmont or at the Wild Card Gym on a steady basis.
Several times, Hollywood celebrities or famous athletes come to him.
Mark Wahlberg had seen him at least twice in this camp while others who?ve dropped by recently include Keanu Reeves and Sylvester Stallone.
Karl Malone and Jeremy LIn were among the recent visitors.
Friday evening, Pacquiao welcomed a Philippine senator whom he had invited to his home. They shared dinner and a few laughs.
There were others who came past dinner time, including Party List members from a southern province, and a small group of pastors.
If they could have their way, they wouldn?t let Pacquiao go.
