The curtain has been drawn on among boxing’s most honorable professions after Manny Pacquiao announced on Wednesday he was putting the gloves away for good.
The only fighter to win ‘world’ titles in eight various departments, the 42 year old Filipino described retirment as the “hardest decision” he’s ever made.
Pacquiao leaves the sport with 62 wins (39 KOs), eight losses, and two draws, and as the only fighter to hold ‘world’ titles in 4 various decades.
The news comes slightly over a week after Pacquiao revealed he would be running for president of the Philippines in 2022.
Currently a senator in his house country, Pacquiao took to social networks to notify fans of his choice.
” It is tough for me to accept that my time as a fighter is over,” Pacquiao stated.
” Today, I am revealing my retirement. I never believed that this moment would come.
” As I put away my boxing gloves, I wish to thank the entire world, particularly the Filipino individuals, for supporting Manny Pacquiao.
” Goodbye, boxing.”
To the greatest fans and the greatest sport in the world, thank you! Thank you for all the wonderful memories. This is the hardest decision I’ve ever made, but I’m at peace with it. Chase your dreams, work hard, and watch what happens. Good bye boxing. https://t.co/Bde4wO82sA
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) September 29, 2021
Pacquiao boasts wins over a few of boxing’s most prominent names among his numerous achievements: Juan Manual Marquez, Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton, and Shane Mosley. More recently, he beat Keith Thurman to end up being the oldest welterweight champion at age 40.
His popular 2015 fight with Floyd Mayweather remains the top-rated pay-per-view event of all time.
In his leaving speech, Pacquiao made a notable mention of his late previous manager Rod Nozario and legendary trainer, Freddie Roach.
” And I will never forget the someone who helped me, Rod Nazario, who was when my manager,” Pacquiao said.
” He brought me to the United States 20 years earlier and arranged my introduction to my fitness instructor Freddie Roach at Wild Card Boxing Gym.
” Freddie Roach was not only my fitness instructor but also my family, a sibling, and a buddy.”
Pacquiao will now turn his attention to his political career, where he has been nominated as a prospective successor to present President Rodrigo Duterte.