Pacquiao, every time he wins a fight it seems that his nation?s esteemed leader, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, presents him with a lovely cake.
Now, on a San Miguel Beer promo trip to Bangkok, Pacman was talking about going one and out, of having one more spectacular fight before hanging up his boxing gloves.
One many levels, this makes perfect sense. He doesn?t turn age 31 until December and Megamanny is in good health both physically and mentally.
He?s adored by his countrymen and respected universally. He doesn?t put on any act outside the ring. He is neither arrogant, which he could easily be, or unappreciative of all the manna that has rained on he and his family.
God has indeed blessed this Pinoy child who fought his way from abject poverty to the pinnacle of a very tough sport.
If you ask me what Pacquiao?s real address is, I wouldn?t say Gensan or anywhere else in the Philippines.
Instead, I?d say he resides at the Top of the World and, other than a smashing victory over Floyd Mayweather, the ride from here on may be downhill.
Boxer?s words about retirement often ring hollow but, as per usual, Pacman speaks with sincerity. He may not have an Ivy League degree but he is street smart enough to go he has to beat boxing before boxing beats him.
Manny?s nightmare would be to allow himself to be beaten to a pulp to where he becomes one of those stereotyped, punchy fighters who have lost too many brain cells.
First of all, though, I don?t think he will retire in calendar year 2009 because I don?t think he and Money Must Pay To Angry Taxman Mayweather will get together before next spring. Packy is talking about an Oct. 17 next bout and certainly Li?l Floyd is not going to box Marquez July 18 and then jump right back into the ring in mid-October.
That would not leave enough proper time for promotional considerations for a Super Fight.
So I say that, when Manny hits 31 candles on his festive cake this December, he will still be an active boxer.
It?s 2010 where the Pacman picture gets clouded.
That?s when his second round of political plans kicks in.
What happens if his electoral campaign conflicts with boxing? The Mayweather Jackpot cannot be left to sit on the stove too long.
I can see Manny fighting Mayweather in March or April and then, win lose or draw, packing it in for his next foray with the voters.
But such an early retirement won?t stick.
Pacquiao will come back, not necessarily for the money although I?ve never see any fighter of his magnitude giving out refunds either.
No, your Pinoy Idol may retire for some months or perhaps even a whole year.
But the call of Pacfans, his phenomenal pride and popularity, will bring him back to the ring.
What happens when an entire nation turns its lonely eyes to you, Manny?
If I am wrong, you can?t sue me but I am going by boxing history.
Maybe there will be a rematch or even a three match with the artful dodger Mayweather. Maybe Pacman comes back for a final fight against Juan Manuel Marquez. Juan Ma figures to lose against PBF but I doubt he will embarrass himself in any way.
No, Pacman won?t have a retirement at age 31 that will stick like glue.
Now talk to me when he is 34 or 35 and then I will be able to agree that Manny will be writing the final chapters in his storybook boxing career.
Until he gets to the advanced age and stage, any retirement is a temporary interlude.
Mayweather, now there?s a guy who can tell you about a short-term retirement.
Michael is a former sports columnist at the New York Post. He was a criminal defense attorney and worked for sports legends Howard Cosell and Don King. Marley also operates Boxingconfidential.com. Email him your thoughts. He makes it a practice to always recommend Pacland, Philboxing and feisty upstart Pacfanscorner.
