- Manny Pacquiao says he's done with dirty politics and focuses on his comeback
- Manny Pacquiao can't enjoy Hall of Fame induction as he puts boxing ahead of legacy
Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao recently sent a strong message about his experience in politics, calling it dirty and expressing his disenchantment after years as a senator in the Philippines. Pacquiao said:
I discovered that in politics you don't know what is real or not. People have many faces
The phrase reveals his disenchantment with political life, feeling that behind the promises lie unclear motives, which undermines his motivation.
Why is Pacquiao unhappy now?
- Political failure: After losing his re-election to the Senate (2022) and presidential candidacy, Pacquiao faces a period of intense reflection.
- Clash with power: Conflicts with former President Duterte and internal divisions in his PDP-Laban party undermined his confidence.
- Revealed truths: Identifying the "real" face of politicians led him to recognise the hypocrisy present behind public discourse.
Manny Pacquiao returns to the ring
WBC championship fight against Mario Barrios on July 19, 2025, at the age of 46, he claims that his ion for boxing is unquenchable "The determination, the desire to train is there, it's incredible". What he is looking for in his comeback is to inspire the next generation and cement his legacy as a ring icon.
Should celebrities like Pacquiao go into politics?
- Sporting fame does not always translate into governmental effectiveness.
- His political retirement can be interpreted as a criticism of the system or as disillusionment.
Manny Pacquiao frankly declares that politics disgusts him because of its dirtiness, and that he wants to forge his legacy in a ring, not on a podium. His next fight against Barrios will be his new goal. In the meantime, his message resonates as a powerful testimony of disenchantment and return to what really drives him.
Sports media value his decision to return to boxing, although some warn of the risks at his age.
Political analysts see in his disillusionment a powerful critique of the Filipino system: a "national hero" disappointed in his own public journey.