Boxing’s only eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao shared the differences regarding the opponents he faced in the ring compared to those in politics.
Manny Pacquiao got honest when asked about the differences regarding opponents and problems he faced in boxing compared to those in politics, citing deception and backstabbing.
Speaking on The George Janko Show, Pacquiao reflected on the differences of politics and boxing.
“You know, fighting in the ring is different. Giving inspiration and honor to my country. But fighting as serving people, it’s different also because your opponent is your friend. Like, get your friends closer and your enemies are getting closer. And your friends are hugging you while stabbing you at the back,” Pacquiao said when asked whether he found more problems as a boxer or as a politician.
"That's politics. Hugging you while stabbing you at the back," Pacquiao reiterated, chuckling. "Can you imagine? You thought he's your friend. But while he's hugging you, he's stabbing you at the back."
Having been a congressman and a Senator in previous years, Pacquiao spoke about how his morals drew backlash and he figured in arguments with fellow lawmakers.
He bared that his beliefs were the source of a lot of conflict within his peers in Congress and in the Senate. For the 46-year-old, it wasn’t about making decisions for the people, but rather for God.
“When I became a congressman and after a congressman, I became a senator, I didn’t compromise. I stick to the right things. I didn’t compromise. That’s why, sometimes there’s a fight happening when I was a senator, because I didn’t want to compromise,” said Pacquiao.
“I told them I’m not pleasing people, I’m pleasing God.”
He first tried for a Congress seat in 2007 to represent South Cotabato but lost to Darlene Custodio. He tried again in 2010 and clinched the House representation for Sarangani province. Pacquiao was re-elected in 2013.
The "People's Champ" then ran for Senate in 2016, landing seventh and becoming the chairman of the panel on sports. He continued to fight in the boxing ring during his political career.
By 2020, Pacquiao became acting president of then-ruling party PDP-Laban and got into a dispute with another faction on who had legitimate authority.
He ran for president in 2022 but lost to Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
In the recent 2025 midterm elections, Pacquiao lost in the senatorial race by finishing 18th overall.
But the Philippine boxing icon bared that he didn’t hesitate to continue in politics because of his deep faith. Understanding his position and what he can do with his platform, it was a no-brainer to attempt again.
“I’m comfortable serving the people. My intention is honesty. My intention is for the people because I’m serving the people with God. What I’m doing is to please God… So therefore, you have to do the right things for the people,” he said.
“It gives you confidence because you know that this is right. God’s approval is in you. So it happened that way. Sometimes, the world will hit you because Jesus said the world will hit you because of me. But the one who stands firm until the end will be saved,” he continued.
Now, Pacquiao returns to his comfort zone — and with people he truly trusts as he prepares for a boxing return against WBC welterweight champ Mario Barrios.
[READ: Manny Pacquiao unfazed by age gap in upcoming bout vs WBC Champion Mario Barrios]
Facing the tall task of unseating a younger and more active champion in Barrios, Pacquiao will need all the help he can get when they tangle on July 20 (Manila time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.