“Still the People’s Champ” is how most Filipinos regard Manny Pacquiao despite his loss to Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas last Saturday (Sunday, Manila time), August 21.  He said he will make an announcement next month, but this will likely be regarding his political plans.  His current term as senator ends next year, so he would have to decide whether he wants to seek reelection or aspire for higher office. Indeed, he has reached a crossroads in his career. Just four months away from his 43^rd birthday, he will likely have to decide whether to continue boxing or focus on public service. Manny Pacquiao has earned his place in athletic history. He is the first and only eight-time world boxing champion --- a rare distinction that could probably remain unmatched.  He won his first world championship as a flyweight at age 19 in 1998.  Through 23 years, he crafted a storybook career. He spawned the Third Golden Age in Philippine boxing, in the footsteps of Pancho Villa and Flash Elorde who dominated the first two eras that produced a procession of world champions across several weight divisions. His latest fight was reminiscent of his classic contest in 2008 against Oscar de la Hoya, then regarded as “the golden boy” of boxing.  He was five years younger than the American who was also four inches taller ---  approximating the age and height disparity between him and his latest conqueror Ugas.  He beat de la Hoya to submission after eight rounds and forced the latter to opt for retirement. Sugar Ray Robinson and Sugar Ray Leonard, two legendary world welterweight boxing champions like Pacquiao, retired at age 42 and 40, respectively.  Muhammad Ali, arguably the greatest boxer of all time, hung his gloves at age 39. Pacquiao’s statement at the post-fight conference provides clues on his current sentiments.  He said: "In my heart, I want to continue fight but I have to consider, also, my body.”  He added, “When our lives are finished inside this world, we can take nothing.  In this sport, this is my passion, this is why I'm still here fighting at the age of 42. I'm enjoying it, but sometimes you have to think about the life span of your body." Meanwhile, there is the siren call of politics.  Before he left last month to prepare for his fight in Los Angeles, he jousted with President Duterte and was eventually ousted as president of the PDP-Laban party.  Party intramurals aside, he is a vastly popular idol among the Filipino masses whose votes matter most in elections. "We entertain people in the ring but what's important is what we've done to others, how we can help them,” was one of his post-fight reflections. Could he carry on being a world-class fighter while seeking to assume greater responsibilities in public service?  The millions of Filipinos who idolize him could, perhaps, weigh in and let him know their sentiments.