What's Left For Manny? By KANGSAN KIM '12

After Manny Pacquiao gave Antonio Margarito a brutal beating in their fight on November 13, 2010 to become the WBC super welterweight champion, there doesn’t seem to be much left boxing can give to Pacquiao.  The Philippino boxing star has now become the world champion of an incredible eight weight classes, clearing each division of its top fighters along the way.  As Pacquiao has moved up in weight, he has had to fight much bigger opponents, but that has not hindered his path to greatness.  Although Antonio Margarito had a 17-pound weight advantage as well as an approximate five-inch advantage in both height and reach, Pacquiao’s skill, speed, and talent were simply unmatched.  Magarito is now one victim of Pacquiao’s ferocious thirteen-fight winning streak, joined by many elite fighters such as Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, and Miguel Cotto.

     The only boxer that could give Pacquiao a challenge is the infamous Floyd Mayweather Jr.  However, negotiations for a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight have crumbled twice already.  Pacquiao’s side had shown willingness to compromise with Mayweather’s demands, but Mayweather continued to duck Pacquiao, unwilling to put his undefeated record on the line.  To make matters worse, Mayweather now faces charges for domestic abuse.  In addition, Mayweather’s uncle and trainer, Roger Mayweather, is also facing charges over domestic disputes.  This means that even if Floyd can beat his case, he may have to box without his long-time trainer, which he would certainly be against.  The Pacuqiao-Mayweather mega fight is becoming more and more unlikely, giving Pacquiao all the more reason to retire from the sport.

     Along with boxing, Manny Pacquiao has another important obligation to fulfill: congress.  On May 13, 2010, Pacquiao was officially proclaimed a member of the house of representatives of the Philippines.  The philanthropic Pacquiao is slowly becoming much more absorbed in politics and is straying from boxing.  “We are going to lose Manny Pacquiao to politics, for sure," says Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer, "After the first couple of days of training Manny came up to me and said 'I miss my job', and I said 'you're at your job', and he said 'no, I miss Congress'."

     With the absence of any competition and the responsibility of representing his people, Pacquiao may hang up the gloves very soon.