Manny Pacquiao and Top Rank Promoter Bob Arum remain partners, but the former’s future in the sport remains uncertain. As most know, Pacquiao also serves as one of the Senators in the Philippines and the word out is that the eight-time division champion will aim for the country’s presidency in 2019.
Arum is aware of this and knows that Pac-Man is being groomed to be the next president of the Philippines. Seeing how Manny is not getting any younger, a shift of focus is hardly surprising. Pacquiao turns 39 on Dec. 17.
Full-time Senator, part-time boxer
According to Boxingscene.com, Pacquiao is a full-time senator and doing part-time work as a boxer. He points out how he offered to the Filipino boxing icon a rematch with Jeff Horn in Brisbane but turned it down. As most know, Pacquiao wants the rematch in the Philippines.
With the first meeting taking place in Brisbane, it made sense for Pacquiao to want the fight on his own turf. Unfortunately, the Top Rank promoter believes the fight could make more money if held once again in Brisbane. Pacquiao and the Filipinos obviously disagree and thus the impasse of getting the rematch done.
Horn defends against Gary Corcoran
The show must go on for Horn, and his first title defense will be against Gary Corcoran next month.
Corcoran is ranked 10th by the WBO and will reportedly get it on with the Aussie on Nov. 11, Boxingscene.com reported.
Promoter Frank Warren revealed that both camps have come to terms to stage the fight and that they are just waiting for things to become official. Horn’s fight with Corcoran should keep him in shape, ready if Pacquiao finally decides to step back into the ring for a rematch set for 2018.
What if Pacquiao walks away?
With the uncertainty of a Pacquiao return, Arum is also open to the fact that the Pac-Man may be too engulfed in politics to fight again. The eight-time division champion showed he still had the power and speed to compete with younger fighters, the result of which was a badly mauled Horn.
Pacquiao has not officially announced anything, opting to leave the door open.
He could retire unceremoniously though it would have been sweeter if he exited with a win.
For now, it becomes a chess match and/or guessing game between Pacquiao and Arum. The 38-year-old boxer wants to leave the sport on a high note while Arum wants the same but with the best revenue potential.
Tying that up to his political ambitions, at least one more fight could help his alleged intent to become Philippine President. The added millions could help in his campaign, not to mention making a complete shift to politics with a vengeful win over his previous conqueror in Horn.
