Manny Pacquiao has done enough for the country so he should seriously consider retiring from boxing. This practically sums up what Philippine President Benigno Simeon Aquino III had to say when he and Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao met last Wednesday at the Malacanang Palace.
Pacquiao arrived to a hero's welcome Wednesday, given a motorcade and then paying a courtesy call to President Aquino.
Aquino advised Pacquiao to focus on his political career and his family, citing that the Saranggani Congressman had brought more than enough honor to the country despite losing to the undefeated American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Aquino was apparently more concerned about Pacquiao's well-being. It will be recalled that Pacquiao revealed he was fighting with a right shoulder injury against Mayweather. Pacquiao's shoulder already underwent successful surgery and the PacMan is now on the road to recovery.
Pacquiao likewise admitted that he is still clueless on what to do next. His camp had mentioned that Pacquiao had plans to run for the country's presidency by 2022.
Koncz himself revealed that Pacquiao, 36, has retirement among his options once he fully recovers. However despite these calls, there is a lingering rumor that there could be a Mayweather-Pacquiao 2 in the works and it could happen in 2016.
Fans are of course divided on the idea, seeing that the supposed fight of the century left many boxing fans disappointed. And with that in mind, there may be doubt on whether the sequel could generate the same amount of revenue of the first one which racked in a record $500 million.
Mayweather plans to fight one last time this September against an undisclosed opponent. Word has it that it could be Amir Khan but the British boxer will have to get past Chris Algieri first on May 29.
Mayweather himself is considering retirement after that September bout so it remains to be seen if any plans for Mayweather vs. Pacquiao 2 in 2016 will prosper.
