If Manny Pacquiao Attempts MMA, He'll Sadly Leave the World of Fighting a Loser

WBO world welterweight champion and current No. 1-rated pound-for-pound boxer, Manny "Pac-Man" Pacquiao, recently stated in an interview conducted by BoxingScene.com's Bill Emes and Michael Marley that he would consider fighting in mixed martial arts.

Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 KOs), the first pugilist in history to capture nine titles in seven different weight divisions, initially described UFC as "too brutal."

However, "The Fighting Pride of the Philippines" softened and indicated he'd have interest in mixed martial arts if his handlers weren't opposed to the notion.

"I want to," said Pacquiao, 31, who the Boxing Writers Association of America named "Fighter of the Decade" for the years 2000-2009. "But they (promoters and management) don't want me to fight."

Pacquiao advisor Michael Koncz corrected Pacquiao and said, "You know you could do what you want."

Pacquiao is arguably the most accomplished pugilist of his generation and he is also known to participate in acting, music recording, and politics. 

Actually, this past May, Pacquiao was elected to the House of Representatives in the 15th Congress of the Philippines, where he represents the province of Sarangani. 

"Pac-Man" is scheduled to fight disgusting Mexican cheater Antonio Margarito November 13 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. 

Pacquiao would not embarrass himself in the octagon like porky pushover James Toney (72-6-3-2, 44 KOs) did last month when he "fought" UFC Hall of Famer Randy "The Natural" Couture.

Nevertheless, Pacquiao turns 32 in December, and it's hard to envision that he could easily transition at this stage in his career from prizefighter to mixed martial artist.

Granted, if any pugilist could successfully crossover, Pacquiao would be the one able to do it.

Unfortunately, time is against Pacquiao, and so is his genuine level of interest.

Unlike most prizefighters, Pacquiao has a gleaming future outside of the squared circle.

If Pacquiao were to enter the octagon with even the slightest hint of apprehension or lack of commitment, he would be dismantled by virtually any veteran combatant of MMA.

The Filipino icon should further cement his legendary legacy in the ring and hang-up his gloves in an admirable fashion.

If he doesn't, Manny Pacquiao will sadly leave the world of fighting as a loser.