In what could very well be the first indication that he would be retiring after one fight in 2016, Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao officially filed his certificate of candidacy as he takes aim at one of the 12 senatorial seats up for grabs in the 2016 National Elections in the Philippines.
Pacquiao's intent to run for higher office is nothing new and was in fact something seen forthcoming. He officially filed his candidacy last Oct. 16 and was accompanied by his wife Jinkee Pacquiao and his sons in Manila.
The current Saranggani Province congressman is a favorite to make it to the magic 12 despite the fact that a lot of his countrymen are not comfortable with the idea of seeing him in the senate.
Some have questioned his commitment, citing his poor attendance in congress which was a result of being tied up with boxing and other matters.
Such has, apparently, led Pacquiao to announce that should he win, his planned 2016 fight would be the last for his career as he intends to focus on the higher government position.
With regards to his comeback (and possibly farewell) match, there is no official word yet on whom he will fight. It is believed that Pacquiao will be revealing the name of his opponent in November or December.
For now, there is one name in the mix — Amir Khan. Khan almost withdrew from the fight, saying that Pacquiao and company were purposely stalling since they wanted a more competitive fight.
By this, Khan was referring to a possible rematch involving Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., which was eventually shot down by Arum.
According to Arum, Mayweather is retired and, apparently, there are no ongoing contract negotiations.
Aside from Khan, other names in consideration include Timothy Bradley Jr., Terence Crawford, and even old nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez, whose status is likewise questionable since "Dinamita" has not fought for quite some time now.
