LAS VEGAS ? Bob Arum said Manny Pacquiao is the best thing that ever happened to the sport of boxing in recent years.
Pacquiao, the chief of Top Rank Promotions added, could even be the best thing that ever happened to the Philippines.
?It?s wonderful that boxing has a fighter who?s not just the pound-for-pound champion but also a congressman whose future in politics is unlimited,? said Arum.
Pacquiao, the only boxer in history to win eight world titles in as many weight divisions, was elected to Congress in 2010, and is setting his eyes at a higher office.
He?s made his intentions known that he plans to run for governor in his home province in the 2013 elections, and if by chance he?s eligible might go for the vice presidency in 2016.
?What a great thing for the sport,? said Arum.
?And for his people,? added the ageless boxing promoter as he faced the American press.
?Let?s be honest. Up until the time we heard of Manny Pacquiao how many (among us) had really concentrated on the Philippines?? he asked.
?We knew about Imelda Marcos and her (3,000 pairs of) shoes. But Manny Pacquiao has brought the Philippines in front and center of the world.?
