The Pacman Could Be In for a Double Black-Eye

After his historic claim to fame by beating a certified welterweight champ in Miguel Cotto and taking his seventh boxing championship, what could be next for our hero Manny Pacquiao?

Coming home to the Philippines, he had to tackle the sensational Krista-Manny issue and appease the press people. How did he fare? Yes, he was successful. All credits I afford though to the wife, Jinky, who regained her composure after that cry-at-the-mass incident. True to her commitment to her husband and family, Jinky stood up to the challenge of proving the rumors were untrue. As to the truth of her claims, I wouldn't speculate and I don't really mind not knowing. Nevertheless, she saved Manny from further fuss and buzz of the celebrity world.

Sure Manny beat the hell out of Cotto in that very exciting fight, but he didn't get out of the ring spotless. He also had his share of bruises and bumps including a swollen earlobe. I wonder how confident he was setting a concert right after the fight that he gamely did for not getting too battered to be sent to a hospital. Or was it Kris Lawrence who came to sing in Las Vegas? hehehe.

More singing engagements and appearances awaited the boxing king in the country. Recognitions by no less than the president and cheers from admiring masses were too much to ask for. Parties were everywhere for Pacman. Just last night, he made another concert party on his birthday. Happy birthday Manny!

Amidst the busy schedule of the People's Champ, he still has two colossal things to fulfill in, for me, a very short period of time. While enjoying the exploits of his recent victory, Bob Arum, unable to resist the temptation of a big payout, was negotiating with the Mayweather camp for the Pacquiao-Mayweather slugfest. Sure enough, Arum got the deal and got Manny to agree to a March 13 fight -- a little less than four (4) months from now. Coach Freddie Roach wasn't so optimistic. According to him, the fight requires more preparation since Floyd Mayweather Jr. is no ordinary fighter. While the respected coach expressed his discomfort with the schedule, Arum struck a 50-50 deal with the Mayweather camp and that proved to be too much to decline for Pacquiao. Could this be a case of a half-prepared Pacman going inside the ring against a fully-prepared Mayweather who is armed with sheer arrogance and a ton of boxing pride aside from his exceptional boxing skills? We all know that the guy is a very good fighter which would justify Roach's reluctance.

Notwithstanding time constrains with his upcoming fight, Pacquiao, as willing as he is to become a public official, is also embarking yet again on another congressional bid for, this time, Saranggani Province. The election period begins on February or March. I wonder he would be able to stage his campaign for the position while preparing for Mayweather. We all know that Manny is not really a favorite to win the congressional seat as he failed the first time he tried. Would another bid for it jeopardize his boxing career? Yes. With not much time to prepare for the fight and the distractions of a not so hopeful bid for a government office, The Pacman could be in for a double black-eye. Manny you are a master. You are too good a boxer to be a Jack of numerous trades.