Pacquiao vs. Marquez: It's Time for Pac-Man to Stick to Politics

I am going on the record to say that I am a Manny Pacquiao fan. I first followed Pacquiao during his fight with Marco Antonio Barrera on Nov. 15, 2003, in which the Fighting Pride of the Philippines won via technical knockout. That was the day I first witnessed his road to greatness.

Indeed, Pacquiao has accomplished so much in his career. World titles in eight weight divisions, a 54-3-2 record, recognition from boxing zeitgeist like the Boxing Writers Association of America, HBO, ESPN and The Ring, among others, numerous national recognitions and all this within the span of one decade.

But after seeing Pacquiao defeat Juan Manuel Marquez by majority decision to the tune of 114-114, 115-113 and 116-112, I believe that it is time for Pacquiao to retire from the sport and focus on politics.

Pacquiao has accomplished all there is to accomplish in the ring. But as a congressman, he has a new obligation, and that is to reach out to the people of Sarangani Province.

Last year, Pacquiao defeated Roy Chongbian by a 2-to-1 margin to win the sole congressional seat in Sarangani. As a result of his victory, there will be increased development in that region.

I have to feel for those who think Marquez should have won that fight. As a Pacquiao fan, I will take a victory for the Pac-Man by whatever means necessary—but Pacquiao did not deserve to win that fight.

Marquez dominated the middle rounds, and literally had the upper hand for the other rounds, counter-punching Pacquiao with skill and fluidity. This should have been one fight to Pacquiao, one to Marquez, the other to a split decision. All square.

Instead, the judges scoring the bout—Dave Moretti, Robert Hoyle and Glenn Trowbridge—figured that a majority of punters put their money on Pacquiao and so they decided not to disappoint them.

Yes, I am going to go on the bandwagon to say that the fix is in, but only because of the score. Pacquiao held his own and rallied at the midway point of the fight to make the fight go the distance, at least in terms of the scorecards.

What also was interesting to note was Manny's reaction to the result. Christmas is not for another month and 12 days, but it did feel like the holidays came ahead of schedule for him. Even he thought Marquez had won the fight. So did everyone at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV. So did I.

Let us spare a thought for Juan Manuel. After all the effort he put in, it turned out that he was going to fall in line with those who deferred to the man with all the belts and regalia. A marvelous fight for the man from Mexico City, and if this is the last we see of Marquez, I won't be surprised.

And I won't be surprised if the Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight is a done deal, and we see that. You know something? I don't care what that outcome is. As long as that argument is settled, it's worth a look in the rear view mirror.

But once again, I reiterate my opinion of Pacquiao, regardless of the outcome: he needs to hang up his gloves and focus on his political work. End of story.

I figure Manny is doing his concert as this article is going to press, but this congressman has bigger battles ahead. Bigger decisions to make. A larger ring to compete in.

He has done all he can and won all he can win as a boxer. Now is the time for Manny Pacquiao to ride off into the sunset and settle into his role of becoming the best civil servant he can be for his country, the Philippines.