Will Manny Pacquiao's Next Fight Against Joshua Clottey Be His Last?

Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao is gearing up for a showdown against Joshua Clottey in Dallas next Saturday (March 13).

While fans are definitely excited to see Pac-Man in yet another boxing match, will it be his last?

Yes, according to a report from ESPN, or at least for a while.

While training frantically at Hollywood's Wild Card Gym, leading up to the Clottey fight, Pacquiao is also, simultaneously, running for a congressional seat in his native Philippines. Another hat the boxer wears as the country's biggest star, including commercial pitchman, movie star, and singer.

If he does win the political seat, as many expect, how can he meet the rigorous demands of being a competitive championship boxer.

"I don't know, but I can still fight," the 31-year-old Pacquiao told ESPN this week. "Boxing is different than politics. Politics is more in service. ... I want to be a good public servant. I want to help people."

The boxer's promoter, Bob Arum, says he understands the lure of public service. But, at the height of his sports career, coupled with being one of boxing's best and most exciting, he says he doesn't understand why Pacquaio would even consider leaving now.

"I can't figure it out," Arum told ESPN. "I tried very lightly to dissuade him this time. I know people around him have tried also. He's determined to do it."

"It could be our last fight, sure," added Pac-Man's longtime trainer Freddie Roach. "I don't think it will, but it could definitely work out that way."

According to Arum, Pacquiao is determined to help his country for all the good fortune he's received throughout his boxing career, and feels the best way he can is by running for office.

"He's lived in the U.S., and he's seen how people live here, and the relative affluence here," Arum said. "As a caring individual, that has to upset him. He genuinely wants to make a difference in those people's lives, and I guess he thinks politics is how to do that."

Roach says, at this point in Manny's career, there's not much to gain besides money. Right now, the only opponent left to fight is Floyd Mayweather, but that's if he beats Shane Mosley. But, if Mayweather won't fight him, they don't think there's any worthy boxers for him to face.

Whether Manny decides to take time off after this upcoming fight remains to be seen. But at this point, as a boxing fan, Pac-Man is really one of the only fighters keeping the sport alive.