Manny Pacquiao, the Philippines’ senator, an eight-division world champion, has decided to retire from boxing. The 42-year-old described his retirement as the “hardest decision” of his life in a social media statement.
“It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a fighter has come to an end,” Pacquiao said in a video message uploaded on Twitter. He intends to run for president in the country’s upcoming elections.
“Thank you to the greatest fans and the greatest sport in the world! Thank you so much for all of the beautiful memories. This is the most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make, but I’m at peace with it. Follow your dreams, work hard, and see what happens. Bye-bye, boxing “He stated.
Pacquiao fought 72 times in his 26-year career, winning 62 times, losing eight times, and drawing two times. 39 of those 62 victories were by knockout, while the remaining 23 were by decision. He won 12 world championships.
Pacquiao was regarded as one of the best offensive fighters in the history of the sport. He was selected as the ‘Fighter of the Decade’ for the decade of the 2000s. Bob Arum, a renowned promoter, declared in 2010 that he was better than Muhammad Ali. “His left and right hands hit with equal power, which is what destroys his opponents,” Arum told Reuters.
Pacquiao began his political career in 2007 with a failed congressional bid. In 2010, he was elected to the lower house of Congress to represent the southern Sarangani province. In 2016, the two-time congressman was re-elected to the upper chamber for a six-year term.
Pacquiao was defeated by Yordenis Ugas in a unanimous decision on August 21 in Paradise, Nevada.
“Thank you for transforming my life,” Pacquiao said in the video. “When my family was destitute, you gave us hope, and you gave me the chance to fight my way out of poverty.”
“I was able to inspire others all across the world because of you. Because of you, I now have the confidence to make a difference in more people’s lives. I will never forget everything I have done and achieved in my life, which I cannot imagine. I just heard the final ringing of the bell. The boxing match is over.”