Even if he loses his Nov 24 bout with American boxer Brandon Rios, eight division title holder Manny Pacquiao has other plans ahead of time, including running for president of the Philippines. Pacquiao, through his coach, Freddie Roach, had already hinted that the Filipino boxing champ would hang his gloves if the suffers a third straight loss in his 54-5-2 career record.

However, the run for the presidency is a long-term prospect because Pacquiao, now on his second-term as representative of the Philippine province of Sarangani is only 34 years old. The Philippine constitution places a minimum age of 40 for candidates who want to be the country's president.

"But, you know, it's far away," AFP quoted Pacquiao.

Although Manny's rags-to-riches story as well as his reaching the top in the sport of boxing made the man from General Santos City - who was once a construction worker due to poverty - catapulted him into a national hero status, aiming for the presidency is another matter.

His planned candidacy would surely be criticised by several sectors and his academic and even legislative experience would be questioned. Mr Pacquiao has finished only high school (although the constitution does not require a college degree for the president, only for the candidate to be literate) but finished some crash courses in public administration.

His record as a legislator is not as impressive as his boxing score card with his frequent absences, poor command of the English language and his support for unpopular agenda such as taking the Catholic side on the reproductive health issued debate.

While he may gain the support of the Catholic church hierarchy with his stand, however, unfortunately for the congressman there is no Catholic vote in the Philippines.

Moreover, Filipinos are also wary of electing again into office another celebrity, stung by their experience with the election of a former actor turned politician, Joseph Estrada, who was overthrown in a popular people's uprising although he was found not guilty of plunder.

Although Pacquiao may not be tempted to dip his hands into the public coffers if he would become president since his is one of the richest man in the Philippines, his questionable leadership skills may hamper the country's growth, particularly at this time when the Philippines has left behind its "Sick man of Asia" tag and is considered one of the bright spots in the Asia-Pacific region given its recent GDP performance and rating agencies upgrades.

However, what may save the Filipinos from a Pacquiao presidency which could be as disastrous as his last bout with Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez, is if he would win over Rios, which Manny is positive he would prevail.

"There's a little bit of pressure for this fight but I believe in myself that I can still fight and improve. I can still knock somebody out in the ring," said Pacquiao, who added his studying the possibility of retiring is based on his mother's request to hang up his pugilist's gloves.

He also believes the chance of a bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr is next to zero.

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