MACAU (AFP) ― Philippine boxing great Manny Pacquiao is harboring thoughts of running for president in his beloved homeland when he finally hangs up his gloves, he revealed to AFP in an exclusive interview.

Giving his strongest hint yet that he will push to the top of the political tree when he finally retires from the ring, the “Pacman” ― a hero and congressman in his home country ― admitted he had considered the presidency of the 95 million-strong nation.

When pressed on whether he had thought about shooting for the top job, the softly-spoken 34-year-old replied “Yes.”

Drawing parallels between his pugilism and politics careers, the former world champion in eight weight divisions said: “When I started boxing, of course I was planning, you know and thinking about getting to become a champion. So when I enter politics it’s the same thing.

“But, you know, it’s far away,” he said, adding: “It’s God’s will.”

Before that, however, Pacquiao whose record stands at 54 wins, five losses and two draws, must concentrate on his latest bout ― a post breakfast-time tear-up with U.S. fighter Brandon Rios, kicking off at the Venetian resort-hotel in Macau at 10 a.m. on Nov. 24.

The unconventional start time is for the benefit of the lucrative U.S. pay-per-view audience, who will be settling down to watch the fight mid-evening on Saturday, as top U.S. promoter Bob Arum attempts to elbow his way into the China market.