The reason for the impending retirement could have something to do with politics. As everyone in the Philippines knows, Pacquiao is seeking a senate seat in the upcoming 2016 national elections and if he is indeed serious about his political plan, he needs to focus his attention on his political campaign at least six months before election day.
After the Mayweather fight on May 2, Pacquiao could still do one last fight, possibly anytime from October to December this year, as the campaign will start early next year. The next national election is set for May 2016.
While preparing for his fight against Mayweather, Pacquiao was asked about his plan to retire and he hinted that it will come soon, without specifying exactly when it will be announced.
“It is coming close. We will announce it,” Pacquiao told ABS-CBN News.
One of the pitfalls of retirement, especially for people who enjoy immense popularity, is the loss of popular support or appreciation from fans when they finally fade away from the glitter of the spotlight.
But retirement is anyone’s destiny and in Pacquiao’s case it could make him less popular because there will also be less media exposure for him as he transitions out of the sport.
Still, he has to remain popular if he wants to capture a senate seat in next year’s national elections. The perceived reason why he is actively pursuing a career in basketball is primarily to keep him in the radar of the electorate for name recall come voting time.
Basketball is the most popular sport in the country and his continued exposure with media will help him in his quest for a higher elective post.
Pacquiao admitted that he has thought of one day becoming the president of his country and that idea can only be realized if he can win an election with a national constituency. In the Philippines, a senator is a nationally-elected official as opposed to the position of congressman, governor or mayor, who are locally elected.
The other nationally-elected officials are the vice-president and the president. This is the reason why Pacquiao is seeking a senatorial post.
If Pacquiao beats Mayweather in their upcoming fight, a rematch is almost certain as Mayweather is expected to ask for it based on his reported demand during the negotiations that a rematch clause be provided in the fight contract.
For whatever reasons, no rematch clause was provided as Pacquiao clarified after the fight announcement.
A second fight could even be more financially rewarding for both fighters as it would be a great motivator for them to consider and it could happen toward the end of the year.
