CTTO
MANILA – Boxing legend and former senator Manny Pacquiao is currently juggling his time between boxing, basketball, and public service. However, the former fighting senator remains tight-lipped about his plans for the upcoming midterm elections.
During the inaugural dinner for the launch of the Junior Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) on Tuesday, Pacquiao hinted at future political plans but emphasized his current focus on helping the community through sports. “Abangan niyo na lang kasi sa ngayon matagal pa naman filing ng candidacy so mag-focus muna ako paano makatulong sa ating mga kababayan sa pamamagitan ng MPBL at Junior MPBL, pinapaganda natin, pinapalakas natin,” Pacquiao said, noting that the filing of certificates of candidacy is still several months away.
Despite previously expressing his desire to return to the Senate last May, Pacquiao’s primary focus at the moment is his upcoming fight against Japanese kickboxing and MMA champion Chihiro Suzuki, scheduled for July 28 in the Super Rizin 3 fight card.
“Mas mahirap ang boxing kasi lahat. Nakaka-pagod ang boxing kasi 12 rounds. Wala pang boxing experience kalaban ko that’s why I want to teach him,” Pacquiao remarked, jokingly asserting that boxing is more challenging than MMA.
The second season of the Junior MPBL will begin next month, featuring 18 teams. Meanwhile, Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, is set to participate in another exhibition match. He will face Japanese Rizin Featherweight Champion Chihiro Suzuki in a three-round exhibition match on July 28, as announced by the Rizin Fighting Federation.
Pacquiao’s last professional bout was over two years ago against Yordenis Ugás, where he suffered a loss in their welterweight showdown at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Despite this setback, retirement has not suited him, as evidenced by his exhibition match victory against South Korea’s DK Yoo in December 2022.
Originally, Pacquiao was supposed to fight Buakaw Banchamek earlier this year, but their bout was postponed. Suzuki, a Japanese-Peruvian fighter and the reigning Rizin featherweight champion, and Pacquiao faced off on Sunday in Tokyo at the Rizin 47 event.
Earlier this year, sports news company Sportico named Pacquiao the 22nd highest-paid athlete of all time. The decorated Filipino boxer recently announced his intent to enter the political ring once more in the 2025 elections, adding another layer to his multifaceted career.