from France 24

Pacquiao: king of the ring rumbles for Philippine presidency

Fans see Pacquiao, an eight-division world champion, as living proof that success is possible for anyone who works hard
Fans see Pacquiao, an eight-division world champion, as living proof that success is possible for anyone who works hard Patrick T. FALLON AFP/File

Manila (AFP)

Manny Pacquiao is idolised by many in the Philippines both for his punching power and rise from poverty to the peak of world boxing. But his support of a deadly war on drugs and homophobic views have drawn plenty of detractors.

Known in the Asian archipelago as “The National Fist”, Pacquiao has parlayed sporting success into the political ring, and now has his sights set on a high-stakes rumble for the presidency.

Pacquiao declared Sunday he will run for the top job in the 2022 elections, vowing to tackle poverty and corruption as he seeks to win over voters with his rags-to-riches story.

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