MANILA, Philippines – The motivation that keeps the world?s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter Manny Pacquiao at the top of his game comes from within. It is the soul of a warrior born in poverty, raised in adversity and thrust onto the global stage as one of the greatest Filipino athletes ever.
Pacquiao will never forget his humble beginnings. That?s what grounds him and spurs him to seek a better life for his family. He worked long and hard to get to where he is. He shed blood, sweat and tears to become the only fighter in history to capture eight world titles in different divisions, a feat that isn?t likely to be duplicated in several lifetimes to come.
Now that he?s a Congressman, Pacquiao is in a position to extend his influence as a legislator. It?s not only his family that he fights for, in or out of the ring. Today, he carries the responsibility of fighting for his constituents in Sarangani. And in Congress, he has the opportunity to touch the lives of people all over the country.
?As a Congressman, one of my goals is to create opportunities beyond boxing for my fellow Filipinos by helping to bring billions more in other industries and commerce,? said Pacquiao in his book ?Pacman: My Story of Hope, Resilience and Never-Say-Never Determination.? ?I want to build my country as I have my career. I want to live for my country. I want to bleed for my country. I will bring my ideas to create opportunities for the poor ? for the people with whom I shared a path. I?m smart enough to know that I cannot do it alone. I will need my wife, my children, my confidants and most importantly, God in my corner.?
Top Rank chairman Bob Arum said Pacquiao has intimated that he plans to retire from boxing at the end of 2013, meaning four fights are left on his plate. The plan is to fight twice next year and twice more in 2013 when he runs for Governor of Sarangani. With Pacquiao?s unflinching commitment to serve his countrymen, there is no doubt he will eventually become a full-time politician.
