Out to boost boxing legacy, Pacquiao says ‘forget about politics’

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Manny Pacquiao, who endured setbacks in the last two elections, aims to leave a lasting legacy through boxing as he came out of retirement and fought professionally for the first time in four years

MANILA, Philippines – Politics is far from Manny Pacquiao’s mind.

Pacquiao said he wants to leave a lasting legacy through boxing as he came out of retirement and tangled with Mario Barrios in a fight for the WBC welterweight belt that ended in a majority draw in Las Vegas, USA, on Saturday, July 19 (Sunday, July 20, Manila time).

“PacMan is back and the journey will continue. Politics, forget about politics,” said Pacquiao in the post-fight press conference. “I’m a private citizen right now. I want to live a simple life, giving inspiration.”

“I’m still helping other people. That’s my heart — to leave a legacy.”

The 46-year-old legend has not had success in politics after he retired from professional boxing in 2021 following his unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas in their bout for the WBA welterweight crown.

He ran for president in 2022 but lost, finishing a distant third behind current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and and former Vice President Leni Robredo with over 3.6 million votes.

Pacquiao then sought a Senate return as part of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas slate endorsed by Marcos in the midterm elections in May only to lose again as he ranked 18th with nearly 10.4 million votes.

After back-to-back election setbacks, Pacquiao decided it was time for a boxing return.

Pacquiao went the distance against the significantly younger and taller Barrios, who is only 30 and stands six feet, although his efforts were not enough for another title reign as the judges turned in a majority draw verdict.

“I always say this to everyone, especially to the Filipino people, I want to create a legacy that I can leave behind when we’re gone. We’re not forever in this world, we’re just passing by. So therefore, as much as possible, while you have strength, while you have a capacity to make a legacy, then make it,” he said.

“At the end of the day, you don’t regret it, because that’s what people remember you [for], especially the next generation.”

Pacquiao said he intended to fight again as he welcomed a rematch with Barrios.

Meanwhile, MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons wants Pacquiao to face either Rolly Romero or Gervonta Davis. – Rappler.com