Manny Pacquiao Retiring After Next Fight?

The latest on Filipino boxing icon is not really tied up with his professional career but rather on his political ambitions. By now, everyone knows that Pacquiao, currently serving as a congressman for his hometown Saranggani Province, has announced his plans to run for a senate seat.

The move has of course drawn mixed reactions from his countrymen, mostly singling out his attendance during assemblies. Though he did vow he would be more visible, the Filipino people are not convinced he would do so.

Better for Pacquiao just to stay in boxing. His attendance record in Congress is atrocious. https://t.co/YJz44hxg2c

— Jane U. (@philippinebeat) October 7, 2015

Pacquiao wants to run for Senate. He couldnt even work on his attendance in Congress. — MLAntoinette (@MLAntoinette) October 5, 2015

Apparently, this is because many believe that his boxing career is bound to eat up much of his time. Such was witnessed with his current position and many believe that the scenario will continue on if he should win in the May 2016 Philippine elections.

Regardless, Pacquiao is a favorite to make it in the magic 12 of senatorial aspirants despite the questions surrounding his visibility.

Pacquiao is set to make his return to the ring in early 2016 against a yet-to-be-named opponent. Right now the leading candidate has become Amir Khan after erstwhile favorite Lucas Matthysse bombed out with a stunning KO loss to Viktor Postol.

Assuming the fight does materialize in April, 2016 at the latest, a lot of folks are now wondering how Pacquiao could buy his time campaigning and training at the same time.

Pacquiao would need to take some time off and focus on training leading to the fight proper, a familiar scenario based on previous fights. So assuming he gets over the hump and manages his time well for his upcoming fight, what about future fights?

Based on reports, it seems that Pacquiao could be returning for just one fight and then call it a career.

"I think I'm ready [for retirement]. I've been in boxing for more than 20 years. I prayed to God for guidance and I am happy about it. I will have to give up the other things that require my attention. If you are a senator, your focus should only be your job and your family" says Pacquiao via Sky Sports.

Being a senator, Pacquiao’s presence will be glaring should he continue to miss out on sessions. With only 24 of them on hand, seeing him absent will surely not sit well with his countrymen as well as their trust in government.

Pacquiao has showed a heart of gold in wanting to help the Filipinos in need and he believes that holding a government seat is the way to go.

Assuming he does win a senate seat, the demands of being senator would require him to be around most of the time. Could his plans to retire be a sign he is determined to serve his country or will it be a temporary resolve just to win the trust and of course the votes of his countrymen?