Pacquiao retires from the “best sport on the planet” to run for President of the Philippines.
(Reuters) Reuters, MANILA, Sept 29 – Manny Pacquiao, the “greatest sport in the world,” announced his retirement from boxing on Wednesday in order to focus on his presidential campaign in the Philippines.
which will be his most important fight yet.
“Pacman,” as he is known in the sport.
addressed supporters worldwide in a 14-minute video uploaded on Facebook and Twitter before calling it a day on a 26-year boxing career that saw him win world titles in eight different divisions and remains unequaled to this day.
“The final bell has just rung. Boxing has come to an end “
The 42-year-old Pacquiao, who is now a senator in the Philippines.
elicited a barrage of emotions from fans, ranging from shock to thankfulness.
Pacquiao, whose quick footwork and blistering punching speed made him.
one of the sport’s best offensive fighters said he was satisfied with his decision.
adding that it was now the turn of other Filipino boxers to shine.
“As I put down my boxing gloves, I’d like to express my gratitude to the entire world.
, particularly the Filipino people, for their support of Manny Pacquiao,” he said, fighting back tears.
Pacquiao comes from humble beginnings as a stowaway on a ship who began fighting on the streets as a child for $2 a fight.
According to his Philippines statement of assets, his net worth was $63 million last year.
Veteran promoter Bob Arum remarked in 2010 that he is largely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in history, even better than Muhammad Ali.
“Thank you for everything you did for my Career #Legend,” said George “Ferocious” Kambosos Jr, an Australian world lightweight champion and Pacquiao’s sparring partner on Twitter.
The father of five was defeated by Cuban Yordenis Ugas in a WBA welterweight world title fight in August.
leaving him with a 62-bout win record, including 39 knockouts, eight losses, and two draws.
Senate President Vicente Sotto commented,(Manny Pacquiao will always be the greatest boxer of all time).
With his six-year stint as a senator coming to an end next year.
Pacquiao made his case this month as the ideal candidate to succeed President Rodrigo Duterte and govern the 110-million-strong Southeast Asian nation.
While no one doubts his capacity to tackle poverty and social problems within the ring.
many political watchers mistrust his ability to deal with the economic consequences and job losses from one of Asia’s worst and longest-running COVID-19 outbreaks.
“He is adored as a boxer, but even his admirers have doubts about his ability to rule,” said Temario Rivera, a retired academic.
citing his sporadic Senate attendance.
Pacquiao has been dividing his time between politics and high-profile fights, mostly in the United States, since 2010.
When Pacquiao announced his presidential campaign, he promised to battle government corruption.
words that further strained his relationship with Duterte.
whose deadly drug war and campaign to reinstall the death penalty Pacquiao had completely embraced as a staunch supporter.
Pacquiao’s retirement, according to Richard Heydarian, an author, writer, and scholar who specializes in politics.
means he will now devote 100 percent of his time to his political goals.
“I believe Pacquiao is gradually emerging as the opposition’s candidate,” Heydarian added.
Pacquiao climbed to fourth place in a recent poll, garnering 12 percent of the 2,400 individuals polled, up from 8 percent earlier.
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Pacquiao quits ‘greatest sport in the world’ to contest Philippines presidency
