When one door closes, another opens … and that’s exactly the case for Manny Pacquiao — ’cause he tells TMZ Sports he’s leaving his political career behind him for good ahead of his big boxing comeback.
The eight-division boxing champ served as a senator of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022 … and followed up by running for the president spot, but lost by a wide margin.
Nearly four years after his last fight, the 46-year-old is making his return to boxing against Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas … so we asked Pacquiao if he planned to follow a similar route by going back to politics in the future.
“Zero in my mind about politics,” Pacquaio said.
“Politics is so dirty. Politics is so dirty. I don’t like that. I don’t like that. When I was in politics, I wanted to serve honestly. I want to serve people because that’s our legacy.”
On top of his gripes, Pacquiao — who fought boxing stars like Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto — said this upcoming fight against Barrios (29-2) isn’t a one-and-done situation. His goal is to go full-time, taking as many bouts as he can.
Manny said he’s actually grateful for those concerned about his comeback … but he insists he’s strong enough to get back in the ring.
“I’m still here,” Pacquiao said, “As long as my body can fight, then I’ll fight.”
