Lennox Lewis: Pacquiao can be next RP president

MANILA, Philippines - Despite suffering a knockout loss in the 2007 Philippine elections, Manny Pacquiao could very well be the next Filipino president, so says former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis. Lewis, who wrote a tribute for the pound-for-pound champion in TIME magazine’s annual “World’s 100 Most Influential People" was in awe of the Pacman’s god-like appeal. “The grip he holds over the Philippines is similar to Nelson Mandela's influence in South Africa. I can surely see Manny becoming the Philippine President one day," Lewis wrote. But Lewis also supported the Filipino voters’ decision in 2007, when Pacquaio lost his bid to Darlene Custodio for the congressional seat of his hometown in General Santos City. “Voters thought he could do more for the country as an inspirational champion boxer. I agree with the Filipino people," Lewis added. Lewis had been a fan of Pacquiao after the 30-year-old southpaw beat Oscar de La Hoya last December. The former world heavyweight champ has even egged Ricky Hatton to fight Pacquiao after the Filipino boxer defeated the 36-year-old “Golden Boy." Meanwhile, Lewis went on to praise Pacquiao for keeping controversies at bay while he is fighting on the ring. “Boxing needs a guy like Manny," Lewis said. “Too often, when something positive develops, the sport takes two steps backward; you never know where the black eye is going to come from. With Manny, you don't have to worry about that. He just loves the sport and knows he's carrying the hopes of his country in the ring." Pacquiao emerged as the 22nd most popular vote-getter in the online polls conducted by Time magazine for its annual issue. He is only the second Filipino to be included in the Time 100 list next to former President Corazon Aquino, and now joins the ranks of media mogul Oprah Winfrey, tennis great Rafael Nadal, golfing legend Tiger Woods and even First Lady Michelle Obama in the 2009 list. Pacquiao's fights are so popular that the crime rate in the Philippines is reduced to zero during the time when his boxing matches are aired. Filipinos will be voting for a new president in 2010. – Mark Joseph H. Ubalde, GMANews.TV