Senator Emannuel “Manny” Pacquiao formally announced on Wednesday his retirement from boxing so he can focus on his bid for the presidency in the upcoming 2022 national polls.
“It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over. Today, I am announcing my retirement.,” Pacquiao said in a video posted on his Facebook account.
“I never thought that this day would come,” he said.
“As I hang up my boxing gloves, I would like to thank the whole world, especially the Filipino people, for supporting Manny Pacquiao,” the boxer who won world titles in eight divisions said.
Pacquiao’s final professional record is 62 wins, eight losses, and two draws, with 39 of his victories coming by knockout. His last bout was a decision loss to Yordenis Ugas of Cuba last August 22 for the World Boxing Association world welterweight title.
Prior to announcing his retirement, there were rumors of Pacquiao fighting Ugas anew early next year. Pacquiao has accepted the proclamation of a faction within the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan led by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III to run for president in 2022. He has yet to name his running mate.
