People's Champ Manny Pacquiao At Crossroads: Boxing Or Public Service?

“Still the People’s Champ” is how most Filipinos regard Manny Pacquiao de-spite his loss to Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas last Saturday (Sunday, Manila time), August 21. He said he will make an announcement next month, but this will likely be regarding his political plans. His current term as senator ends next year, so he would have to decide whether he wants to seek reelection or aspire for higher office.

Indeed, he has reached a crossroads in his career. Just four months away from his 43rd birthday, he will likely have to decide whether to continue boxing or focus on public service.

Manny Pacquiao has earned his place in athletic history. He is the first and only eight-time world boxing champion — a rare distinction that could probably remain unmatched. He won his first world championship as a flyweight at age 19 in 1998. Through 23 years, he crafted a storybook career. He spawned the Third Golden Age in Philippine boxing, in the footsteps of Pancho Villa and Flash Elorde who dominated the first two eras that produced a procession of world champions across several weight divisions.