Pacquiao’s next move: Nobody knows

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao said he’s too busy with the campaign that he can’t even find time to think about boxing.

“I’m very busy right now. Wala sa isip ko ang boxing,” said the 34-year-old congressman during the 13th Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Memorial Awards at Sofitel Hotel last Monday.

Wherever he goes, Pacquiao, who lost his last two fights against Tim Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez, is always pressed with questions regarding his next fight.

Everybody wants to know when he would fight next, whom he would fight, where he wants to fight.

Not even his promoter, Bob Arum, surely knows.

During the glittery affair honoring the past, present and future Filipino boxing champions, mediamen continued fishing for the answers.

But they got the same replies from Pacquiao.

“You can ask me after elections. Right now, there’s nothing. We haven’t even talked about anything regarding boxing,” said the only boxer to win world titles in eight different weight classes.

Pacquiao is seeking a second term as congressman in Sarangani in May, and is handling the campaign of his wife, Jinkee, who is running for vice governor, and his brother, Roel, also running for congress.

“Busy talaga sa kampanya,” said Pacquiao, who flew in to Manila just to grace the Elorde affair, and was scheduled to fly back to General Santos City the morning after.

Pacquiao said he wanted to go to Macau to watch Brian Viloria defend his flyweight title against Juan Francisco Estrada on April 6 but his schedule won’t allow him.

“I have something on that date,” he said.

Arum had expected Pacquiao to be in Macau because the Top Rank chief is bringing along Marquez. The legendary promoter had hoped for a meeting and talks regarding a fifth fight.

“After the elections we can talk about boxing. Maybe in June,” he said.

Pacquiao said there are times when he misses boxing, but explained that a very busy political schedule helps him get along.  He is also campaigning for some top candidates for national positions.

“I really don’t know where to fight or whom to face next. But I guarantee you that he’s a boxer. I miss boxing. But I’m just too busy right now,” he added.

Pacquiao looked every inch a politician during the Elorde affair. He came in a dark business suit, and everybody wanted a piece of him.

They all wanted pictures taken with Pacquiao, who could barely find time to finish his meal at the presidential table.

Pacquiao went up the stage a couple of times to join an all-female group in a song-and-dance number, to present awards, and to deliver his speech.

He likened the late Gabriel “Flash” Elorde and all boxing champions who stood before him to an eagle with “great vision.”

“Gabriel ‘Flash’ Elorde is an eagle. This place is filled with eagles who do not allow problems and trials to stop them from achieving their goals,” said Pacquiao amid a round of applause.

“Listen, champions. We celebrate here because we never give up. We have all seen the face of defeat and failure but we did not surrender.

“Those times we won our fights, we remained humble. And those times we lost our fights, we remained honorable. We did not lose our dignity,” he said.