<p><br /> Seven-time boxing champion Manny Pacquiao has launched his election campaign in his home province of Sarangani in the southern Philippines.<br /> </p><p><br /> This is the boxer's second attempt to win a seat in Congress after a failed bid in 2007.<br /> </p><p><br /> This time Pacquiao is facing a tough opponent supported by the biggest political and business-owning families in Sarangani, and who has close links to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.<br /> </p><p><br /> Analysts said Pacquiao has a better chance of winning inside a boxing ring than in the political arena. Widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, he has been undefeated since 2005.<br /> </p><p><br /> But the backing of a large political party could boost his candidacy. The Nacionalista Party hopes to benefit from Pacquiao's huge popularity.<br /> </p><p><br /> The boxer is revered like a national hero in the Philippines, inspiring many in the poor nation of 90 million with his rags-to-riches story.<br /> </p><p><br /> He has earned millions of dollars thanks to all the prize money and pay-per-view shares from his televised matches.<br /> </p>
