Manny Pacquiao: Why Pac-Man Will Choose Politics over Boxing

It’s as simple as it is painful to admit, but in the grand scheme of things Manny loves his country more than he loves stepping into the ring.

His election as a congressman of his home country of the Philippines was more than just a heroic gesture, it was the pledge to be more than just a figure, but rather to use the immense respect and adoration he has garnered into something incredibly significant.  

In a breath, Manny will be gone from boxing after Mayweather, if he ever gets that far.  

Sure, those who are holding out hope that boxing's biggest joy will stick around to thrill and entertain the masses for a while longer can’t be naive enough to think that Manny can do this forever with a country that sees him as something more. Manny must do right by his country and leave the world of prize fighting.  

To call Pacquiao a hero would be as understated as calling Lebron James physically gifted. He’s worshipped like some sort of god and the hope he brings to the millions of Phillippine people is a nice sentiment, but it doesn’t make their life any better.

What Manny must do is begin to affect real change. He’s spoke of running for a bigger political office and, unless there is something the rest of the world isn’t seeing, Manny will be primed to take over the presidency. 

With a higher office comes a bigger vision and there is less time to execute that vision standing in a ring. He’ll have to be inside an office, talking to others and enacting change that promotes the growth and long-term well being of his people.

Manny must know that there are things bigger than boxing and he will have to leave the sport he knows and loves for the country that matters more.