A veteran boxing coach and trainer is wondering why eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao is still fighting despite his unmatched accomplishments in the sport. Naazim Richardson, the trainer of top boxers Bernard Hopkins and Shane Mosley says it is highly dangerous for Pacquiao and Brandon Rios to face each other because both of them had a rough time during their last fights. ?Brandon just fights. No jabs allowed. He?s a tough customer,? he told Boxing Scene. ?Pacquiao is special, but Pacquiao just went through a real traumatizing loss,? he added. Richardson said Pacquiao has accomplished a lot in the sport and there is nothing more that the Filipino star hasn’t done. The veteran trainer’s observation is anchored on his technical knowledge of the sport. But Pacquiao could be fighting for a deeper reason. Other than the hazards of the trade that Richardson mentioned, one probable reason why Pacquiao needs to continue fighting could be his endless need for huge amount of money to support his charitable projects that require continuous funding. And while he is committed to support his charity projects, Pacquiao has to set aside huge sums as dole outs to his constituents especially to those hit by calamities. Still, Pacquiao has to take care of his bloated staff and hangers-on that also requires a huge outlay for salaries and other expenses. But it seems that the most compelling reason why he needs to go on fighting could have something to do with his future political plans. Rumors are swirling around that Pacquiao is setting his sight on the 2016 senatorial elections as a prelude to an even higher office in the 2022 presidential elections. Everyone knows that campaigning for a higher office would require huge funding and logistical support and if he is serious about his political plans, he needs to make large sum to support it. It seems that Pacquiao’s accumulated prize-fighting income have been invested on fixed assets while revenues from these assets may not suffice to finance his political ambitions. Seemingly, the only way to support his politics would be to continue fighting until he generates enough funding for his political ambitions Judging from his soaring popularity (despite his two successive losses), Pacquiao remains a bankable fighter, owing to his entertaining fighting style. As long as he remains bankable, his promoter will just be too glad to keep him busy in the ring. How long will Pacquiao fight? Only him and his promoter would know.
