Bob Arum: Manny Pacquiao could be next PH president

FILE – Boxing promoter Bob Arum gives Manny Pacquiao a playful jab on the cheek following his weigh-in Floyd Mayweather on May 1, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada one day before their “Fight of the Century” on May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. AFP PHOTO / FREDERIC J. BROWN

MANILA, Philippines — Bob Arum won’t be surprised if Manny Pacquiao goes for the presidency in 2022.

In fact, Arum, the Filipino ring legend’s former promoter, thinks Pacquiao could be the first fighter ever to become president of a country.

“The first president I think we’ll get, as a fighter, is Manny Pacquiao,” the Top Rank chief said in a video conversation with WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman posted on talksport.com.

“I did a Zoom telephone call with him, ‘Bob, I’m gonna run in 2022 and, when I win, I want you there at my inauguration.’”

Pacquiao is currently a senator after being elected in 2016. He is also a former representative in Sarangani.

But for now, Pacquiao remains active in his boxing career with no intention of hanging up his gloves just yet especially after coming off a vintage performance in a win over Keith Thurman to win the WBA (Super) welterweight title.

The 41-year-old Pacquiao also has big plans ahead for his next fight with the likes of Terence Crawford and Errol Spence—the other two champions in the 147-pound division among his potential foes.