By Francisco Alcuaz Jr.

Dec. 2 (Bloomberg) — Seven-time world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao will make a second attempt to win a seat in the Philippine Congress by running next year, switching areas to improve his chances.

Pacquiao, who won his seventh title by beating welterweight Miguel Cotto last month in Las Vegas, yesterday filed his candidacy to represent the southern province of Sarangani under his own People’s Champ Movement, the local Commission on Elections office said. He’ll run against Roy Chiongbian, brother of the incumbent who due to term limits can’t seek re-election.

The fighter, considered by some analysts to be the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, ran in 2007 in South Cotabato province and lost to Darlene Antonino-Custodio, who won a third straight term.

Pacquiao may fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. early next year, ESPN reported last month. The Cotto match generated $70 million in U.S. television revenue, and a bout with Mayweather may break records, ESPN said.

Yesterday was the deadline for politicians to file their candidacies for next May’s general election. read more