Manny Pacquiao is still savoring his recent conquest of Keith Thurman, dealing the 30-year-old his first boxing career loss and at the same time snagging the WBA Super World Welterweight title. Judging by his performance, it appears Pacquiao is still raring to take on all comers – at least for the next five years.
Speaking to TMZ Sports before his showdown with Thurman, Pacquiao said that he wants to fight until he is 45-years-old. And once he does retire, he already has a goal in mind – that of which is to buy an NBA franchise at the right time and the right price. And from the looks of it, the 40-year-old already has the basic requirements to fulfill those dreams although there are several things to consider.
As far as fighting is concerned, one can only listen to what Thurman revealed after suffering the first loss of his career. Despite being cocky and confident before their clash at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas last weekend, One Time admits that the eight-time division champion has plenty of gas left in the tank, Manila Bulletin Sports said.
“He has a lot left. He’s been in too many wars and he knows what to do,” said Thurman, who suffered a first-round knockdown, a huge scare in the fifth and tenth rounds en route to a split decision loss before 14,365 fans.
Despite the loss, it looks like a rematch will be the next fight up ahead for the Filipino boxing icon. No other than Thurman raised the idea to which the pro-Pacquiao crowd in attendance in Las Vegas approved. As of this writing, no date has been suggested for the rematch yet.
As far as the NBA dream is concerned, Pacquiao believes that his semi-pro basketball league (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League or MPBL) has given him more than enough experience to run an NBA franchise. Part of the Pac-Man’s training includes basketball, something he plays serious for 4 to 5 hours daily. Also, he had a brief stint in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) when he suited up for Kia Picanto from 2014-17.
Another potential stumbling block is Pacquiao’s political ambitions. Currently serving as a senator, the Pac-Man is widely believed to be running for the Philippine presidency in 2022. He said in a post by the South China Morning Post that he is not thinking of that at the moment and that it will be up to God if such is his destiny.
