Manny Pacquiao: Why Pac-Man Should Retire Before Mayweather Dream Fight

If Manny Pacquiao is being honest about the direction his faith is taking him, he should hang up the gloves before cashing in on a bout with Floyd Mayweather. Pacquiao was quoted by Allen Estabillo of mindanews.com with this statement after he appeared at the oath-taking of of the Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion:

"

Hindi maganda na nagse-share ako ng salita ng Panginoon tapos nananakit ako ng kapwa (It’s not right that I share God’s word and at the same time hurt other people)

"

Wow, that's a pretty powerful declaration.

At its core, and living as true those words as possible, Pacquiao would have to cease all sparring sessions and any training related to boxing. If he truly believes this is the path he should take, all of these actions are in preparation to, as he accurately described, "hurt other people."

However, it is puzzling to me that he is still going to go through with his June 9th bout against Timothy Bradley.

Hmm?

Will God understand that he has to hurt one more guy just because you signed a contract to fight?

If his faith is so strong and he is aware that boxing is wrong for him to continue participating in, how can he wholeheartedly fight in another fight?

Pacquiao states further in the article:

"

I’ve gained more than enough blessings these past years so I think it’s time for me to return the favor.

"

As most anyone can see, Pacquiao is very wealthy, as he deserves to be for his thrilling performances and success. He can afford to retire and pay back Bob Arum any fine he levies for pulling out of the Bradley fight. If he did that, people would have to take this proclamation of faith seriously.

But all of this will seem pretty lame and fake if he accepts a mega payday to fight Floyd Mayweather. Jr. Pacquiao has painted himself into a corner with this statement and he has almost no wiggle room. At this point, fighting on is making a mockery of his faith.

Pacquiao seems to be a man of high principle and that isn't likely something he'd be willing to do. It seems that among his faith, political aspirations, family concerns, love for boxing and Bob Arum, Pacquiao is being pulled in several different directions.

That is a formula for defeat.

No one would be able to continue to fight at a world class level amidst those circumstances.

Does he expect to carry all of those burdens into a ring with Floyd Mayweather, and emerge victorious?

That will never happen.

I predict it won't serve him well against Tim Bradley either.

Pacquiao should listen to his heart and walk away from the sport to save face and faith.