Manny Pacquiao calls it his last hurrah, but the people around him still think otherwise.
Through the weeks, boxing followers have heard the likes of Freddie Roach, Mike Koncz, and Bob Arum say that they find it hard to believe that Manny Pacquiao will be done with boxing. Many believe that rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. will still happen and draw the Filipino boxer back into the ring.
For his part, Arum has been around long enough to know when a fighter is really decided on retirement or not. In this case, he believes that Pacquiao is going to rethink his decision of retiring and possibly return sometime in the future.
Such is the reason why Arum says that he is not guaranteeing that this is Pacquiao's last fight. The 84-year-old promoter feels that despite the boxing superstar's political ambitions, there is technically some fight left inside Pacquiao.
Pacquiao announced his retirement to focus on his political aspirations. He is running for a senatorial seat for the coming national elections in the Philippines. According to surveys, Pacquiao is a favorite to make it into the magic 12.
The eight-time division champ had been hit hard before due to his poor attendance. If he does go on to win a senatorial seat, he can no longer afford to skip sessions as all eyes will be on him.
It is his attendance and purpose that is being hit by Filipinos despite the fact that he has proven his willingness to help the ones in need.
For Arum, Mayweather is the key. A fight with the undefeated Mayweather is something that many would want to see, especially since Pacquiao is now in 100% health.
But before, that he needs to show the world that his recently operated shoulder is indeed 100%. He will try to prove that to everyone on Apr. 9 when he meets Timothy Bradley Jr. in Las Vegas.
