Pacquiao sneaks into Cebu again, to attend BWAA awards in New York today; wife Jinkee backs Pacman's political plans

CEBU, Philippines – Just like his previous visit in the Queen Ciy of the South during the Sinulog festival this year, boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao slipped into Cebu with little notice the other day, slept overnight at the posh Shangri-La Hotel and then proceeded to Bohol yesterday morning for a short vacation with his family and a coterie of friends.

In a brief chat with this writer at his hotel suite the other night, Pacquiao confirmed that he will plane in for New York this morning to grace tonight's 84th Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) banquet in New York.

Pacquiao made a sudden change of heart because of the prodding by some quarters including Top Rank chairman Bob Arum, who said that his earlier decision to skip the prestigious awards ceremony was a mistake and that many will be disheartened if the Pacman won't personally receive the coveted "Fighter of the Year" trophy. He also won the ward in 2006.

Pacquiao has been voted winner of the BWAA's Edward J. Neil "Fighter of the Year" award on account of his historical accomplishments in 2008. He won his rematch against Juan Manuel Marquez in March, dethroned David Diaz to snatch the WBC lightweight crown in June and then jumped to welterweight to hand the legendary Oscar de la Hoya the worst beating in his career in December.

Pacquiao further galvanized his status as the world's pound-for-pound king with a stunning second round demolition of British star Ricky "Hitman"Hatton to claim the IBO light welterweight belt last May 3 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

When pressed on who he wants to fight next, Pacquiao replied:" You know me, I'm not scared of anyone. I'm willing to face anybody. I don't care who my next opponent is so long as the prize is right."

Pacquiao, on the other hand, has reiterated his plan to run once again in next year's elections. This time, he has found a strong pillar that could butress him to fulfill his political ambitions - his ever supportive wife Jinkee.

"I'm just here to support him. If he wants to join politics again, I can do nothing else than to support him," said Jinkee, while gobbling up several slices of chocolate cake.

Pacquiao, who picked the Orlando Magic to win this year's NBA title over the Los Angeles Lakers, has been reported to run for a congressional seat in Saranggani Province. He vied for the same post in South Cotabato during the 2004 polls but was knocked out by current Rep. Darlene Antonio-Custodio.

Pacquiao will be in New York for only a day. He will be back in the country to rejoin his family and scuba dive in Bohol on Sunday, his business associate and confidant Rex "Wakee" Salud said.

If he is to decide, Salud wants Pacquiao to face next world welterweight champion Miguel Angel Cotto of Puerto Rico.

"If I'm going to decide, Miguel Cotto is the logical choice as the next opponent for Pacquiao. Cotto is a very great and exciting fighter. Also, I don't see any hitch in the negotiation process because Cotto is handled by Bob Arum," said Salud.

Cotto (37-1, 27KOs) is set to defend his WBO welterweight crown against Joshua Clottey (35-2, 20KOs) this Sunday (RP time) at the Madison Square Garden in New York.

Aside from Cotto, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and 'Sugar' Shane Mosley are also being considered as the next possible opponent of Pacquiao. – THE FREEMAN