Pacquiao to quit boxing in 2016

MANILA, Philippines – The clock is ticking on Manny Pacquiao’s storied boxing career.

The Filipino icon recently revealed plans to hang up his boxing gloves two years from now to focus on seeking higher public office.

In an interview with ABS-CBN’s Anthony Taberna, Pacquiao confirmed his desire to run for senator in the 2016 elections.

“Here’s a big possibility that I will run for Senator. UNA asked me to join its slate and I am grateful they picked me,” the Sarangani congressman said.

UNA, or the United Nationalist Alliance, is an opposition party headed by Vice President Jejomar Binay, who is eyeing the presidency in 2016.

For Pacquiao, gunning for a Senate seat will effectively stop him from fighting professionally, something he has been doing for two decades now.

The 35-year-old Pacquiao started boxing professionally at 16, raking in world titles in a record eight weight divisions. A first-ballot hall of famer once he’s eligible, the General Santos City-based southpaw earlier said he’s good for a few more fights.

Pacquiao is set to face Chris Algieri in Macau on Nov. 23 for his 64th fight. His contract with promotional outfit Top Rank Inc. runs through 2016, with the Algieri bout being the first of a five-fight deal.

The fighting congressman is expected to see action in two more outings each in 2015 and 2016 before finally calling it a career.

Apart from boxing and politics, Pacquiao has thrown his hat into the professional basketball scene, being recently named head coach of Kia Motors, one of the latest expansion teams to enter the PBA.

Pacquiao also earlier said he will join the 2014 PBA Draft in August, possibly becoming a playing coach in the league.