Manny Pacquiao: Why Boxing Career Makes Politics a Must

Manny Pacquiao is quickly becoming one of the most storied boxers of all time, and yet, that's not enough for him. 

In May of 2010, Pac-Man was officially elected as congressman of the district of Saranagi in his home country of the Philippines. Pacquiao won by landslide and has been working hard in office ever since.

We've seen basketball players hold office, football players hold office and baseball players hold office. Heck, we've even seen a former wrestler hold office.

But Pacquiao is the first professional boxer to do it. And what's more, he's holding office while his fighting career is still in full force. 

Some may think it's impossible to commit enough time to both positions, but Pacquiao has already won a few fights while in office, so that trumps that idea.

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"It’s a good thing right now because in Congress it’s not really hard work," Pacquiao said during a press conference in lower Manhattan to hype his Nov. 12 fight with Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas. "If you are an executive, like a governor, it’s going to be hard to continue my boxing career because it’s seven days a week and 24 hours a day. It’s going to be a lot of work in the office. Maybe by 2013 I’m running for Governor and it’s going to be hard for me to continue my boxing career."

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As long as Pacquiao has enough time to be successful in politics and boxing, there's no better mix of professions. 

Members of the congress certainly don't make a lot of money, so if you want to be able to truly commit to the position, you need another source of income.

Yeah, I'd say Pacquiao, who has a chance to put together the most profitable fight in the history of boxing, has another source of income. 

Pacquiao, along with purse money, endorsements and much more, is likely the richest member in congress.

It feels sleazy to say, but never underestimate the power of money in politics. Pacquiao can make a lot of good things happen for his country, and not many people are able to do the things he can. 

So good for him.

As long as Pac-Man continues to balance his time well—and as long as he finds a way to give us a fight with Floyd Mayweather—I see no better "side job" for the defending champ than Congressman of Sarangani.