Manny Pacquiao is fresh from his split decision win over Keith Thurman in Las Vegas, dealing One Time his first boxing career loss and adding the WBA Super World Welterweight belt to his list of accolades. And based on his performance, it appears the fighting boxer-senator from the Philippines is good for a couple of more fights. And if he is to be believed, the eight-time division champion plans to continue boxing until the age of 45.

Despite being already 40 years old, Pacquiao proved once again that he still has plenty left in his tank. Proof of that is Thurman himself who admitted that the Filipino boxing icon has been through many wars and knows what to do against anyone he meets in the ring, Manila Bulletin Sports reported.

“He was fast, strong and had those quick short steps and he came well-prepared,” said Thurman after suffering his first boxing career loss.

Even before Pacquiao and Thurman met in the ring, there seems to be no doubt on his mind that the future boxing Hall of Famer has already plotted his career course. He sees himself fighting five more years before considering retirement. And this early, it looks like he already has his next move set – that of which is to fulfill his dream of owning an NBA team, TMZ Sports reported.

For the benefit of those who may not know, basketball is part of Pacquiao’s training regimen. He plays basketball 4 to 5 hours daily and he also owns the semi-pro basketball league called the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL). Throughout his boxing career, Pacquiao has amassed over $500 million in earnings and those numbers are expected to go up further if he does continue to fight for five more years.

But of course, there are things to consider. One is that for the Pac-Man to fulfill his NBA dream, it will have to come at the right time, price and the right team. He believes that the experience running the MPBL will help him attain his dream once the opportunity arises.

Another obstacle that stands in the way is whether Pacquiao will indeed run for the Philippine presidency in 2022. He is aware that many are wooing him to being the next President of the Philippines although he is not thinking of that for now.

“I’m not thinking about that. I don’t have plans right now. Whatever path that God gives to me I will fulfill it,” said Pacquiao in a report from the South China Morning Post.

Manny Pacquiao
Manny Pacquiao beat Adrien Broner on Saturday night to retain his WBA welterweight title. In this picture, Pacquiao in the ring during the WBA welterweight championship against Adrien Broner at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jan. 19, 2019. Christian Petersen/Getty Images
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