
Manila, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – “Bob, I don’t know if I’m gonna run for president but if I do, you gotta get Manny Pacquiao to come over and help me.” These were the words from Hillary Clinton at a dinner table in Hong Kong, according to a report by ABS-CBN News.
Bob is Bob Arum, CEO of Top Rank, the Las Vegas-based boxing promoter responsible for Pacquiao’s and other top-rated championship fights. He sat next to Clinton at that private dinner.
Pacquiao is known for his keen interest in politics. He himself is an elected congressman in the Philippines.
In the last U.S. elections (2010), Pacquiao endorsed Senate Majority Floor Leader Harry Reid. This year, the Filipino boxer has endorsed Ross Miller who is running for Nevada’s Attorney General.
But endorsing Clinton? “No way,” Pacquiao says. “We’re exact opposites when it comes to important issues. Hillary is pro-choice, I’m pro-life; she is for marriage equality, I believe that marriage should only be between a man and a woman; she’s a stickler for world issues, all I’m interested in are boxing, basketball and karaoke.”
But Pacquiao is not totally closing the door on Clinton. He says that for a fee, he can endorse the former First Lady’s candidacy. Asked by reporters what kind of a fee he thinks would be appropriate, Pacquiao said: “enough to cover the taxes I owe the Philippines’ Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).” That would be at least $75 Million.
Pacquiao faces charges of tax evasion. BIR says the boxer has failed to pay taxes on his prize earnings from his championship fights in the U.S.
Pacquiao’s next fight is against junior welterweight title holder Chris Algieri which will be held November 22 at the Cotai Arena at the Venetian Macau, in Macau, China.