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Pacman's political plans

Five-weight world champion to become political heavyweight

Last updated: 2nd September 2008

Pacquiao: Retirement plans

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World lightweight champ Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao will have three more fights before hanging up his gloves and having another shot at politics.

The fighter from the Philippines is reportedly keen on fighting for political office in May 2010 and will decide to retire in August next year to prepare.

Pacquiao is amongst the very best pound-for-pound fighters in the world and is set for a bug showdown with Oscar De La Hoya in December.

The 29-year-old will then have two more fights before trying to run as a congressman representing his home province of Sarangani or as a local town official.

Pacquiao lost in his first bid to be elected in congress last year but, given his fighting pedigree, is keen to give it another go.

Politics

"My parents want this to be my last fight. But I told them I can still fight around two more fights after De La Hoya," Pacquiao told the Philipine Daily Inquirer.

"So maybe around July or August next year, that's when I will retire."

For now though Pacquiao is fully focused on beating 35-year-old De La Hoya, who continues to be one of the most popular fighters around.

"He was my idol when I was starting out. Now I can't believe I am fighting him," Pacquiao added.

"To fight him is already a big honour. More so if I beat him."

Pacquiao has officially joined President Gloria Arroyo's political party and says he wants to help fight poverty in his southern province of the Philippines.

Despite his humble beginnings, Pacquiao has risen to become one of the best fighters around, and certainly the best ever from his country, with five world titles at different weight classes.