MANILA, Philippines – Second time could be the charm for Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao as he takes an early lead in the Sarangani congressional race over political rival Roy Chiongbian.

If he wins, he will become the first active boxer in the world to make it to the legislature.

AsianCorrespondent.com’s Edwin Espejo, who is based in Mindanao, said early results from a number of precincts in Sarangani province showed Pacquiao taking an early lead over Chiongbian in the province’s congressional race.

This was confirmed by Pacquiao and his promoter, Top Rank chief Bob Arum, to ABS-CBN reporter Jay Dayupay.

"Sa tingin ko landslide na ito," the boxer told ABS-CBN.

Arum said Pacquiao's victory "would create a big impact on Manny's career to the whole world."

Pacquiao's monitoring team said the "Pambansang Kamao" won by landslide over Chiongbian, a descendant of the political clan that established the province. The official results, however, will not be available until Tuesday when the Sarangani Provincial Canvassing Board resumes its tally.

This is the second time Pacquiao tried his hand at politics after losing to incumbent South Cotabato Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio in 2007.

Chiongbian’s camp, however, is not yet conceding defeat as the results were still partial.

Pacquiao arrived at the Kiamba Central Elementary School at around 7:45 a.m. Monday to cast his vote. In an interview, the boxing champ said he worked hard in his political campaign after defeating Ghanaian Joshua Clottey in the ring last March.

“I didn't sleep yet but it's okay. It's judgement day,” said a beaming Pacquiao.

“I'm very confident to win the election. I always thank God for everything he gave to me. Sa lahat ng mga fans ko, thank you very much for your support,” he added.

Pacquiao's wife, Jinkee, said she is giving her all out support for her husband. "As a wife, I'm 100% behind him," she said.

Pacquiao fight in November?

Arum, who went to Sarangani to root for Pacquiao, said the boxer is likely to fight sometime in November if he wins the election.

“I’m excited to be able to introduce him in the next fight as Congressman Manny Pacquiao,” said the promoter in an earlier interview.

Arum is also expected to convince Pacquiao to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. in what boxing analysts believe to be the richest boxing bout ever.

“I believe that the fight will happen as early as November this year,” he said.

The camps of the two boxers first negotiated for a March 13 fight. However, talks collapsed over the method of drug testing to be used.

“Let's be positive... let's sit down with a clean slate,” said Arum. “I really now think that Mayweather's people want it to happen as well.”