Manny Pacquiao retires from boxing to chase Philippine presidency
Pacquiao, a Philippine senator who has been dividing his time between politics and fighting, made the announcement in a 14-minute video posted on his official Facebook page on Wednesday.
“I just heard the final bell. Boxing is over,” said an emotional Pacquiao, the only man to hold world titles in eight different divisions.
“I never thought this day would come as I hang up my boxing gloves,” he said as he thanked his fans all over the world.
“This is the hardest decision I have ever made, but I am at peace with it,” Pacquaio added.
Known for his fast footwork and blistering-speed punches, Pacquiao was widely regarded as one of the top offensive fighters in the sport’s history.
Veteran promoter Bob Arum in 2010 said he was unmatched and rated him better than Muhammad Ali.
“His left and right hand hit with equal power and that is what destroys his opponents,” Arum told the Reuters news agency.
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
In August, the 42-year-old lost a WBA welterweight world title match against Cuban Yordenis Ugas.
Growing up in the south of the Philippines, Pacquiao’s family lived in dire poverty, prompting him to do odd jobs to survive.
As a teenager, he stowed away on a boat to the capital Manila, where he started competitive boxing.
Source: Aljazeera
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