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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 20: Manny Pacquiao attends a post-fight news conference after defeating Keith Thurman in a WBA welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 20, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao won the fight by split decision. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 20: Manny Pacquiao attends a post-fight news conference after defeating Keith Thurman in a WBA welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 20, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao won the fight by split decision. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
Manny Pacquiao epitomizes the following phrase- started from the bottom, now we’re here. The ‘Pac Man’ has outworked almost all his opponents to get where he is today. Alongside a successful boxing career, Manny Pacquiao got into politics in his home country, the Philippines.
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LAS VEGAS – MARCH 19: Manny Pacquiao (L) of the Philippines is hit by a right hook as he throws a jab at Erik Morales. of Mexico during Morales’ 15-13 unanimous decision winning game over Manny Pacquiao during the World Super Featherweight Championship. at the MGM Grand Hotel March 19, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
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His aim is to help his fellow countrymen and represent the country on an international stage. His upcoming fight, scheduled against Yordenis Ugas, would be just that, as he aims to stand for the presidency. Ugas, the current WBA Super Welterweight champion, will defend his belt against the only man that has been an eight-division champion.
More than winning the belt though, Pacquiao will look to use the fight to raise the morale back home.
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A new opponent will not affect Manny Pacquiao
A new opponent in Ugas does not change Pacquiao’s plan. In a chat with The Athletic, Manny Pacquiao said, “I’m very inspired. It’s very important to win the fight because it will give a high morale to the Filipino people and my fans in the Philippines, and it’s also an advantage for the election — a big, big factor.”
They practically worship Manny Pacquiao in the Philippines. Crime in the Philippines stops every time Manny Pacquiao steps into the ring to fight as the nation watches its sporting hero fight for glory. A poll conducted in the Philippines placed Pacquiao in the fifth position in terms of popularity to run for president.
“With no support from the government, no plan, no hope, the dreams are crushed,” he said. “(My) master plan will give the Philippines people a chance to dream, and I’ve come to realize that this is my destiny … to tend to this.”
However, before Manny Pacquiao focuses on that, he needs to focus on Ugas. A win will help him ascend to the top of the welterweight division once more and reclaim the title he never lost. (the WBA stripped Pacquiao of the belt because of inactivity and handed it to Ugas)
Do you think an “inspired” Manny Pacquiao will have his hand raised on August 21?
