Pacman among Forbes powerful celebrities

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has been included in Forbes magazine’s list of most powerful celebrities in the world.

Pacquiao, who has recently been proclaimed congressman of Sarangani province, ranked 55th in Forbes’ list of 100 most powerful celebrities, finishing ahead of Hollywood stars Tom Cruise, George Clooney and Julia Roberts.

Forbes cited Pacquiao’s ring earnings and his successful entry into Philippine politics as primary reasons for his inclusion in the list. It estimated Pacquiao’s earnings from June 2009 to June 2010 at $42 million.

“While still regarded by many as the best boxer in the sport right now, Pacman is also busy outside the ring. He was elected a member of Congress of the Philippines in May,” Forbes said in a brief write-up.

“Pacquiao spent a reported $7 million on the campaign. He earned $35 million for his two fights against Joshua Clottey and Miguel Cotto. The boxing world awaits a potential mega-fight against Floyd Mayweather,” it added.

Mayweather, Pacquiao’s closest rival to the pound-for-pound throne, ranked higher than the Filipino at 31st with estimated earnings of $65 million.

Talks are reportedly ongoing for a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight, which is expected to be the richest bout in boxing history. Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s promoter, is planning to stage his ward’s ring return in November.

US television host and media queen Oprah Winfrey topped the Forbes list, followed by R&B star Beyonce Knowles and “Avatar” director James Cameron.

Other sports personalities who made it to the list include golf legend Tiger Woods at fifth place, basketball stars Kobe Bryant (14th place), Michael Jordan (20th place) and LeBron James (28th place), tennis star Roger Federer (29th place) and soccer heartthrob David Beckham (36th place).