As Pacquiao fans celebrate yet another odds-defying performance by their idol — this time in the political ring instead of boxing’s squared circle– they also at a quandary. What does Manny Pacquiao’s impending Congressional victory mean to his boxing career?
For starters, Pacquiao’s busy schedule just got busier. If you thought he was spread too thin back then, he’s about to get anorexic.
And at this point in his career, what does Pacquiao really have left to accomplish? He is after all only the fighter of the decade and holds the record for winning the most world titles in different weight classes. Not to mention, the most iconic athlete ever to come from his nation, the Philippines. Oh yea, I almost forgot, he’s also the best pound for pound boxer; he so good they don’t let him fight people his size anymore.
But you already know that, so let’s get straight to the point.
There’s only one last intriguing match-up for Pacquiao’s legacy at this point, and with the looks of it, if does not bow to his demands, his dream fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. will never come to be. And if you ask me, I just don’t see Pacquiao doing it. I mean, has Mayweather substantiated his accusations of steroids over Pacquiao other than simply demanding it and his main argument being the fact that Pacquiao wouldn’t agree to it?
Okay, Pacquiao doesn’t want to agree to it because in case Mayweather fans don’t get it clear enough, Pacquiao won’t allow himself to be bullied, coerced or let alone manipulated by a loudmouth trash-talker. Mayweather fans say Pacquiao fans are fools for sticking by their man and that they are in denial. Their main line being ‘If Pacquiao is clean, why won’t he take the test?’. Well riddle me this. If Mayweather is so intent of cleaning up the sport, then why didn’t he demand for his whole fight card last May 1st to go through the same Olympic-style random blood testing? Why won’t he have all his fighters under the Mayweather banner demand this drug testing in all their fights. Now you tell me who’s in denial and who’s being a hypocrite.
So to cut the story short, if Mayweather insists on his demands, that fight won’t happen. That’s just that.
Pacquiao has bigger things to fry now. His mom and wife have been begging him to stop fighting. Pacquiao has all the money he will ever need and has multiple business to make sure he is set for life. Chances are, his November 13 fight would probably be his farewell fight. Pacquiao simply has nothing left to prove. Actually, if he walked away from the sport right now, you can say it was a legendary career.
So I guess it’s time to brace yourselves for the inevitable. Every good thing comes to an end. Pacquiao’s main goal now is to give back to his constituents and hold true to his promises when he ran for congress. Filipino boxing fans will finally be put to the test and given a chance to disprove the criticism often hurled at them:
Is this the beginning of the end for PacMania? Or are Filipino boxing fans for real and here to stay long after Pacquiao retires?
We’ll find out soon enough.
