MANILA, Philippines – Despite Manny Pacquiao’s repeated claims that he will retire after his fight with Timothy Bradley this April, some observers think the Filipino icon will not stay retired.
Count Freddie Roach among them.
Speaking recently to Michael Rosenthal of RingTV.com, Pacquiao’s longtime cornerman said boxing won’t be totally out of Pacquiao’s mind even if the Sarangani congressman succeeds in his senatorial bid.
“A lot depends on whether he becomes a senator or not,” said Roach.
“If he doesn’t win the senate race, what will he do? Does he go back to being a congressman? Being a congressman and a boxer is OK. Being a senator and boxer may be a little too much,” he added.
Pacquiao is running for senator under the opposition party of presidential hopeful and incumbent Vice President Jejomar Binay. In the latest survey of the Social Weather Stations, Pacquiao ranked eighth among senatorial candidates.
If he defeats Bradley and becomes the WBO welterweight champion then wins the elections the following month, Roach said his ward might be prompted to defend the title even if he’s already a senator.
“I do know Manny well, though. He would love to be the senator who defended his title someday. I don’t think this [Bradley fight] is his last fight for some reason,” the trainer continued.
“I just don’t see it because he has a lot left in him. His work ethic is still great. I’d be disappointed if this was his last fight. I’ve been with him a long time, we had a great run. I’ll support whatever he does,” said Roach.
Then there’s the looming possibility of another meeting with Floyd Mayweather Jr.
“So far he (Pacquiao) says he’s going to retire no matter what. I might be the one that hopes something happens, maybe Floyd one more time. He’d be healthy and do much better than the first time. I was very disappointed with the first fight. I know Manny can do much better than that. I would love to see that fight one more time,” added Roach.