Congressman Pacquiao to fight until 2013

The world will see more of boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao, at least for the next three years.

Promoter Bob Arum gave this assurance after recently sitting down with the 32-year-old Filipino southpaw and discussing what his plans as far as his boxing career is concerned.

“He won’t retire before 2013. He told me that on the day of his birthday in the Philippines," said Arum in an interview with BoxingScene. 

Together with trainer Freddie Roach, Arum came to the country last month to join the big birthday celebration of Pacquiao in General Santos City.

At the same time, he and Roach talked about the possible opponent Pacquiao will be facing in his ring return this year.

Sugar Shane Mosley turned out to be the chosen one, and the fight will be held on May 7 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

It turns out that the bout against Mosley will be the first of a projected six fights by the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter until 2013.

“For 2011, 2012 and 2013, he plans to have six fights," said the Top Rank Promotions chairman.

After a successful second attempt at politics that saw him getting elected as Congressman of Sarangani province, there were speculations that Pacquiao’s days as one of the greatest boxers to ever live were numbered.

Roach himself acknowledged in an interview with BBC that Pacquiao’s retirement is imminent following his new-found success in politics.

“We are going to lose Manny Pacquiao to politics, for sure," said the celebrated trainer.

“He's so proud to be a politician, and he walks the walk. He loves being a congressman and trying to improve his country. And I feel that eventually, yes, we will lose him to politics."

But Arum's recent disclosure should put the retirement issue to rest for the next three years.

With Pacquiao still around, hopes continue that the long-awaited match with the brash, unbeaten American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. may still come about. 

Arum, however, would rather not commit anything when it comes to sealing the fight the world wants to see, after being given the run-around by Floyd Jr.in the past.

“Mayweather? You said Mayweather? Please, does anyone know where he is or where to find Floyd Mayweather Jr.," said Arum of the former Olympian, who is facing a battery of charges in court. - KY, RCJ, GMANews.TV