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Arum urges Pacquiao: Be a 'fighting congressman'
Arum urges Pacquiao: Be a 'fighting congressman'
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By DENNIS GASGONIA
Turning himself into a “fighting congressman” will surely send Manny Pacquiao’s boxing marketability through the roof, according to Top Rank promoter Bob Arum.
Arum said that this is the reason why he hopes Pacquiao will fulfill his political ambitions while continuing to battle on the ring.
“I hope he becomes a congressman,” said Arum in an interview over dzSR’s Sports Chat. “The fact that he's become a fighting congressman will enhance his promotability.”
Pacquiao has remained vague about his plan to retire from boxing, although he has already expressed a desire to hang his gloves after two more fights.
His actions are clear in relation to his plans for the 2010 elections. He has already announced that he will attempt to win a congressional seat in the province of Sarangani.
“I think he'll fight two more years…I would think four fights,” Arum said.
The Top Rank promoter said Pacquiao could set another record if he becomes a “fighting congressman.”
“I don't think that's ever happened before in history, somebody who’s a congressional representative from his country fighting at a top level in boxing,” said Arum.
The promoter also has an answer to the issue of Pacquiao losing his focus on the ring while serving as congressman.
“When Manny fights, Congress closes down anyway,” he said.
In Freddie Roach’s opinion, however, Pacquiao can retire once he beats Miguel Cotto and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Pacquiao’s coach said it would be good to see his fighter retire while still at the top of his career.
“I'd love to see Manny retire as the king of the world,” said Roach.
“But that's up to Manny. My purpose here is I would like [him] to fight Cotto, get him out of the way. [Then] Mayweather, get him out of the way. I don't think what happens after that,” he added.
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By DENNIS GASGONIA
Turning himself into a “fighting congressman” will surely send Manny Pacquiao’s boxing marketability through the roof, according to Top Rank promoter Bob Arum.
Arum said that this is the reason why he hopes Pacquiao will fulfill his political ambitions while continuing to battle on the ring.
“I hope he becomes a congressman,” said Arum in an interview over dzSR’s Sports Chat. “The fact that he's become a fighting congressman will enhance his promotability.”
Pacquiao has remained vague about his plan to retire from boxing, although he has already expressed a desire to hang his gloves after two more fights.
His actions are clear in relation to his plans for the 2010 elections. He has already announced that he will attempt to win a congressional seat in the province of Sarangani.
“I think he'll fight two more years…I would think four fights,” Arum said.
The Top Rank promoter said Pacquiao could set another record if he becomes a “fighting congressman.”
“I don't think that's ever happened before in history, somebody who’s a congressional representative from his country fighting at a top level in boxing,” said Arum.
The promoter also has an answer to the issue of Pacquiao losing his focus on the ring while serving as congressman.
“When Manny fights, Congress closes down anyway,” he said.
In Freddie Roach’s opinion, however, Pacquiao can retire once he beats Miguel Cotto and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Pacquiao’s coach said it would be good to see his fighter retire while still at the top of his career.
“I'd love to see Manny retire as the king of the world,” said Roach.
“But that's up to Manny. My purpose here is I would like [him] to fight Cotto, get him out of the way. [Then] Mayweather, get him out of the way. I don't think what happens after that,” he added.
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