To make room for electoral campaign: Pacman bout no later than April

MANILA, Philippines - This early, Manny Pacquiao is making sure that his next fight in the early months of 2016 won’t interfere with his plans in the political ring.

Pacquiao, a two-term congressman from Sarangani, has a number of options for the 2016 national elections on May 9.

The 36-year-old ring icon can seek a third term as congressman or run as governor in his province. He can also shoot for a senatorial post.

Pacquiao has not made a final decision yet.

“Wala pa. I will make the announcement once I’ve decided,” said Pacquiao.

The deadline for the filing of the certificates of candidacy for the 2016 elections is Oct. 16 or less than a month from now.

It means that Pacquiao will soon have to decide.

In fact, www.boxingscene.com yesterday reported that Pacquiao told his promoter, Bob Arum, that his next fight should not be later than April 2016.

“Manny has told me that he wants his next fight to be no later than the second week of April,” Arum was quoted as saying.

“Because he’s going to spend the month campaigning in the Philippines for the presidential elections and senatorial elections,” Arum continued.

When it comes to the elections, the eight-division champion is a hot commodity, even hotter perhaps than most Pinoy celebrities.

Everybody, especially the candidates, wants a piece of Pacquiao during the elections or the campaign period that runs until the month before the polls.

Pacquiao’s wife, Jinkee, is the vice governor of Sarangani, but had hinted that she’s no longer interested in running.

“I’m glad to have experienced how it is being a public official and serving the people,” she said last May.

But nothing is final.

Pacquiao has not fought since the Floyd Mayweather bout, yet things are looking good regarding his recovery from the shoulder injury.

Arum said once Pacquiao undergoes MRI on his right shoulder and gets the green light from his doctors, then they can start negotiating for his next fight.

There are a handful of names to choose from – Amir Khan, Kell Brook, Terence Crawford and yes, even Juan Manuel Marquez.

“Those three names are still in the offing,” Arum told www.boxingscene.com, referring to Khan, Brook and Crawford.

“There is a possibility now with Lucas Matthysse and finally we have to see whether (Juan Manuel) Marquez is retired or if he’s going to come back,” Arum said.

In boxing or politics, Pacquiao has plenty of options.