Manny Pacquiao says retiring from boxing ‘hardest decision’ ever

June 5, 2024

By Expat Media

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Manny Pacquiao says retiring from boxing ‘hardest decision’ ever

MANILA – Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is retiring from the sport that catapulted him to global fame, calling it the “hardest decision” of his life. The southpaw is hanging up his gloves to focus on his next biggest fight: the Philippine presidency. He recently announced he is running for president in the 2022 elections. Pacquiao, the world’s only eight-division boxing champion, is a senator in the Philippines. A recent Pulse Asia survey ranked him fifth among preferred presidential candidates in May. "I just heard the final bell. Boxing is over," said Pacquiao, the only boxer to hold world championships across four decades. Pacquiao described retiring as the “hardest decision" of his life, adding that boxing had given him "the chance to fight my way out of poverty" and "the courage to change more lives". He is regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, winning 12 different titles across eight weight divisions. He won his first major title—the WBC flyweight title—in 1998 at the age of 19. "I will never forget what I have done and accomplished in my life," Pacquiao said, thanking his supporters, including his long-time trainer Freddie Roach. He retires with a record of 62 wins, eight defeats and two draws. In politics, Pacquiao began his career in 2010 after winning a seat in the lower house of the Philippine Congress. “We need to win against poverty. We need government to serve our people with integrity, compassion and transparency. The time is now,” Pacquiao said after announcing his bid for the presidency. ICA/Expat Media