LOS ANGELES, California—The writing on the wall gets bolder each day—after Manny Pacquiao fought and lost to Cuban Yordenis Ugás on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

It was no longer the Manny Pacquiao atop that ring inside the MGM Grand where more than 17,000 fans came to see the legend get back on his pedestal and millions more on pay-per-view hoping to see their idol snatch another of those amazing victories he sewed together for more than 20 years boxing as a pro.

Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach was honest with his observation about his ward also of 20 years or more.

"I hate to see the day he retires, but this could be it," Roach said a day after Pacquiao lost by unanimous decision to Ugás. "He didn't perform well. I am a little bit worried about it. He boxed for a long time."

Now, it's the Filipino boxing icon's long-time promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank who doesn't want to see Pacquiao fight another day.

"I would hope that he does forget boxing for now and get wholeheartedly into politics with the idea that he will be running for president," the 89-year-old Arum told BusinessMirror on Monday.

Arum, who was Pacquiao's promoter from 2006 to 2017, said the 42-year-old Pacquiao (62-8-2 win-loss-draw record with 39 knockouts) must choose politics now over boxing to realize his biggest dream of serving his fellow Filipinos.

"Because the [Philippine] elections are coming up shortly, he should forget [boxing] to pursue a political career," Arum said. "I think it would be really great for the Philippines to have him as a president because he has all the right instincts and he's for the people."

"He would not use the office to enhance his own position, he would be a good president for sure," Arum said.

Pacquiao's political goal are pointed toward the presidency although he has yet to declare his candidacy, saying he'll decide next month if he'll continue boxing or retire, or run for president in the May 2022 elections.

"Manny was off for a long time and he's not getting any younger. The skills are low if you're not using them, and also if you're getting old," Arum said. "I thought the odds were a little bit peculiar, I think Manny should have been that overwhelming favorite."

Arum was with Pacquiao during those amazing times from 2005 to 2010 when he conquered the likes of Erik Morales, Oscar de la Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito, among others, making him a household name in the sport all over the world.

Arum said he was saddened by the result on Saturday, but wasn't surprised by the decision. Pacquiao failed to get back the World Boxing Association welterweight belt from the 35-year-old Cuban.

And Arum  said he won't promote a farewell fight for Pacquiao.

"I think if he's going into politics and if he becomes President, obviously he is not going to fight anymore. He doesn't need to fight one more time to cement his legacy," he said.

Image courtesy of Wendell Alinea

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