Pacquiao, The Politician? Filipino Elections May Hold Up Fight Date

According to the Sporting News, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are getting close to an agreement to fight one another, but the latest point of contention centers on a when, exactly, the two might fight. Specifically, Manny Pacquiao reportedly refuses to fight on the proposed March 13th date.

From Sporting News:

Although Floyd Mayweather has agreed to a deal to fight Manny Pacquiao on March 13, Pacquiao’s participation is still in question. In an article on Boxingscene.com, Pacquiao’s lawyer says that having the fight at that date seems unlikely:

“As of last night, Manny said he doesn’t want to fight in April or even May. There will be no fight. Maybe it will come after the elections.” said Gacal (Pacquiao’s attorney) “Everything will depend on developments after the elections. But again, as of last night, the March 13 and May 1 dates for Pacquiao’s next fight are out.”

Bob Arum apparently doesn’t agree, because he arrived today in the Philippines trying to get Manny’s signature. These situations are always a bit complicated with Pacquiao, as he seems very difficult to get in contact with when he is in the Philippines. We’ve often heard stories of Freddie Roach having problems getting Pacquiao on the phone, and it doesn’t seem as though Arum has been in contact with Pacquiao.

So it looks like, as mentioned in an earlier update, Pacquiao’s budding political career may be what’s standing in the way of a fight on March 13th. If the fight conflicts with elections in the Philippines, apparently that’s a deal breaker, and the boxing world may have to wait another few months for this blockbuster to happen.

But let’s be clear: Manny Pacquiao’s a boxer. He may be dabbling in politics, but if he’s to be successful in that arena, it’ll be because he’s been successful in the ring. He’s a national icon in the Philippines, a worldwide celebrity, and apparently an action star—but make no mistake, it all stems from his success in the ring. And as Bob Arum and the promoters set about making this fight happen, Pacquiao will understand that and act accordingly.

Because regardless of Arum’s persuasiveness, the tens of millions of dollars thrown in Pacquiao’s direction speaks than louder than words could. And you won’t make that money in Filipino politics…