Manny Pacquiao: Was He Too Distracted Entering the Juan Manuel Marquez Fight?

Most fans' attention this weekend was on the conclusion of the Super Six tournament.  Before that, it was on the possibility of a Pacquiao-Mayweather showdown.

That was because for a while it seemed like the two sides might actually learn how to work with each other.  Now the talks have quieted down again and fans are left wondering if the match is going to take place.

But is it too late to see the fight?

Both men are still in their primes and neither one seems to have peaked.

But even though Pacquiao hasn't had his skills diminished, he has found other focuses for himself in his time away from the ring.

He is not only a superstar in the Philippines but has made a huge name for himself in America.  However, his biggest focus nowadays is politics, as he is a congressman in his native country.  Even though he has found ways to remove himself from his duties when a fight comes up, in the back of his mind it has to still be there.

If it isn't then he wouldn't be a worthy politician.

This eventually comes back to his fight with Juan Manuel Marquez.  He fought a great fight, though many thought it wasn't enough to get the win.

Which brings up the question: Was he too distracted by thoughts of his countrymen and his need to help them?

Pacquiao has always said that he fights for his people in the Philippines and though it could be a promotional line, it could very well be the truth.  Pacquiao has come off as humble whenever he speaks, which in turn has endeared him to fans all over the world.

If those sentiments are true, they could also be a contributing factor to why he struggled with Marquez in their third fight.  The stress of having two jobs might have finally taken its toll on him, especially when he feels the weight of his nation on his shoulders.

If Pacquiao does fight for the population of the Philippines, that means that no matter what he does or where he goes, he is a representative for his entire country.  

Trying to split himself between the two while doubling the pressure is a recipe for disaster.

And if it did effect him in the Marquez match, then he might need to rethink which career he wants to pursue for the immediate future.

Because for as good as Marquez is, Mayweather is better, and if Pacquiao even loses one percent of focus in that fight, he won't win.

And it won't matter what his excuse is because the fact that he lost will have everyone's full attention.

Even his.