FILE — Manny Pacquiao (L) of the Philippines and Juan Manuel Marquez (R) of Mexico pose during their weigh-in December 7, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP PHOTO / John GURZINSKI (Photo by JOHN GURZINSKI / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines—Juan Manuel Marquez took a page out of Manny Pacquiao’s playbook—not how to throw the perfect left hook, but on how to jump into politics.
Pacquiao, who’s a serving senator in the Philippines, took notice of Marquez career jump from the Sweet Science into the political landscape of Mexico City.
“I am humbled that you have taken notice of my work in the Philippines. Let us be partners in our fight against corruption. Remember always – politics is not a business, it is public service,” posted Pacquiao on Twitter.
“Wish you the best, my friend. Vaya con Diyos!”
.@JMMarquezOf I am humbled that you have taken notice of my work in the Philippines. Let us be partners in our fight against corruption. Remember always – politics is not a business, it is public service.
Wish you the best, my friend. Vaya con Diyos!
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) April 15, 2021
Marquez, who fought Pacquiao four times and taking a 1-2-1 win-loss-draw record with him, announced that he will enter the 2021 race for Chamber of Deputies as a candidate for the Mexico City borough of Gustavo A. Madero, as per Daily Mail.
The Mexican boxing legend, a world champion in four weight classes, is running under the Ecological Green Party of Mexico in the June legislative elections.
“I’m going to deliver a knockout to corruption,” said Marquez who admitted that it was Pacquiao who inspired him to enter politics.
“I did it in the ring against a fighter who is going to run for president of the Philippines, who was a representative, who is a senator and who may be President of the Philippines because he has done well and that serves as an example to be able to do it here. If he can do it in the Philippines, why can’t I do it here in the country.”
Marquez retired from boxing with a 56-7-1 record with his last bout a win over Mike Alvarado for the WBO International welterweight title in 2014.