By Eric Thomas: Trainer Freddie Roach hinted that Manny Pacquiao’s political career could be hurt if he loses to Antonio Margarito in their high priced mega fight on November 13th at the Cowboys Stadium, in Arlington, Texas. Roach, who trains Pacquiao, said this to Gmanews.com “I told him your politics is over if you don’t win this fight. I had a long talk with him. I told him, `Manny, you made a decision to run for Congress. You win this fight, you made the right decision. You lose this fight, it was the wrong decision.” It’s pretty clear that Pacquiao’s fame has come from boxing, but it’s doubtful that his loyal boxing fans and fellow countrymen would abandon him if he were to get destroyed by Margarito.

They would obviously continue to back him because he, after all, is talking on a much bigger fighter in the 5’11” Margarito and there’s no shame in losing to someone as big as Margarito. However, it Pacquiao were to start getting beaten over and over again no matter who he faces, there’s a chance that he could in theory lose enough popularity to the point where he could have problems politically. This is the bad thing about achieving political office while still fighting.

When things are good, you can benefit from it but when things turn sour, it might cause Pacquiao’s political career to suffer for it. If Pacquiao is really serious about wanting to move into a higher political office, he needs to consider retiring while at the top so as to avoid experiencing losses to fighters that might potentially affect his political career. It’s always better to go out while still on the top rather than waiting until you start losing over and over.