Manny Pacquiao's Road to... Screw-up?

Manny Pacquiao, also known as Pacman, the internationally-renowned filipino boxer, a prizefighter still in his prime, personally said that he may retire as early as 2007.

He justified that by saying that he does not want to retire from professional boxing with physical problems, and that he wants to leave it while he is able and happy.

Oh, boy. That's quite justified, but, but, but... Oh, man (now), I can't counter that, because he's reasonable enough. Besides, Manny has earned himself enough money to last his whole life through, and he could even multiply this as he plans to take care of his business(es) to earn.

But... I don't want to. Yeah, I don't have any right to tell Manny what he should do, and this is a mere opinion of a boxing fan. Caring about Manny Pacquiao's health would really lead us to agreeing with his possible decision, but do we, as fans, really want to? As for me, again, I don't.

Pacquiao is still very much at his prime and is considered by some experts as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world today. Does he know what that means? That means he's perhaps the best. And if he leaves the sport as a performer, then he would become a big loss, much more if he does it early. Then, no other would have more loss than us his filipino fans.

When I heard the news, at first, I didn't want to believe, but further sources confirmed me the fact. "Why?" I asked. Of course I was answered by a simple and reasonable answer. At that point I stopped for a while and realized that it's only self-interest that I am considering when I said that I don't want him to retire. Self-interest, maybe, but at least I'm honest. I'm such a sport aficionado that such news would shake me, and I'm sure others too, whilst also considering self-interest mainly, does not like what Manny said.

Pacquiao is considering that when he defeat Erik Morales in their much-awaited rematch, then it's the end. That made me initially want Morales to win over Pacquiao to prevent him from retiring, but on second thought, oh, then Pacquiao could never avenge himself because that would be their last match.

Well, I you'd ask me, I would say that Manny should have another world title on his waist and defeat Marco Antonio Barerra again before he leaves. And doing the latter, he could do the former, depending on the result of Barerra's title match this September (vs. Rocky Juarez, who gave him a run for his money the first time they met).

If Manny does this, and then no other contender is capable to defeat him anymore, then I would really be cool with his retirement. Happy for Philippine sports, I will set off waiting for the Philippines' next top boxer.

But this is not over. Manny Pacquiao is seemingly poised to dirty his name with the declarations of his decisions lately. Manny reportedly had a transfer of address from General Santos to Manila, further stimulating the speculations that he would run as Manila City's Vice Mayor (to tag along with Atienza). Holy what!? Are you kidding me? Rumor has it that Manny actually agreed on this, and after his retirement in 2007, he would run for the 2007 elections.

I hope it ain't true.

But well, what can I do? As a fan, I'm just concerned about his reputation and since we don't have any world-class athletes lately, I can't afford to have a world-class athlete dirty his own name.

At the end of the day, I know of course that only Manny Pacquiao has the right to make a decision about his career and himself. I respect that...

But please. Don't screw up.