[SIZE=1]By Allison Lopez[/SIZE]
[SIZE=1]Inquirer[/SIZE]
[SIZE=1]Last updated 11:28pm (Mla time) 02/26/2007[/SIZE]
MANILA, Philippines -- Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao has decided to drop out of the political race, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza said Monday.
Pacquiao, scheduled to fight the unbeaten Jorge Solis of Mexico (32-0) on April 14 in Texas, had announced he would run for the congressional seat in South Cotabato currently held by reelectionist Representative Darlene Antonino-Custodio.
But, without refuting Atienza’s claim, Pacquiao on Monday refused to make a categorical statement on his political plans.
“I’m not saying I’m not running, but I cannot talk about my final plans at the moment,” Pacquiao told GMA News.
He said he had to concentrate on his next fight more than anything else.
“The final filing of candidacy is on March 29, my fight is on April 14. I’m not saying I’m not running,” he told GMA’s Mel Tiangco to whom Pacquiao had earlier confirmed he would be joining the political race.
But Atienza, a close ally and known adviser of the national boxing hero, said it would be back to the boxing ring for Pacquiao, voted the world’s best boxer in 2006.
Atienza, who had spent time with Pacquiao at ringside when they watched the “Moment of Truth” card at the Cebu Sports Complex on Saturday, said he had spoken to the famous fighter about his “quandary and obligations in politics.”
“I’m happy with his decision to set aside politics so he can concentrate on his boxing career and focus on his next fight,” said Atienza in a phone interview.
Atienza said he explained to Manny “what will be good for the country” and that “politics and boxing do not mix.”
He added he had never prevented anyone from entering politics before, and that when Pacquiao was in Cebu and someone asked him about politics, Manny himself changed the topic and said they should “focus on his next fight.”
“He is a patriotic and God-fearing man… but he is at his peak in boxing, so politics can wait,” Atienza said. “At the moment hindi siya tatakbo (He won’t run). But whatever he decides, I will support him.”
“That’s very good news, Cebuanos would be very happy,” international promoter Rex “Wakee” Salud, a close friend of Pacquiao’s, told the Inquirer Monday.
Salud said the boos Pacquiao received when he walked into the vast boxing venue in Cebu on Saturday could be a manifestation of the fans’ disapproval of his political plans.
Pacquiao is scheduled to fly to the US on March 5 to train for his match against Solis, but there were rumors he might postpone his departure and spend more time training in Manila.
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