By Akinwale Kasali
42-Year Filipino Boxing legend, Manny Pacquaio, has thrown in the towel. He has quit boxing.
The legendary Philippine pugilist and Member of the country’s Parliament announced his retirement from the sport to focus on his political career.
The Senator who is a multi-division world champion, quit the sport to focus on his Presidential aspiration, with his sole aim of participating in the country’s 2022 elections.
Pacquaio’s last fight was a defeat to Cuban boxer, Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas, USA in August.
Announcing his retirement from the game, he said, “I just heard the final bell. Boxing is over”.
Describing his exit from the game, Pacquaio added that it was the “hardest decision” of his life, adding boxing had given him “the chance to fight my way out of poverty” and “the courage to change more lives”.
He thanked his fans, friends, and all those who supported him throughout his career, most notably, long-time trainer Freddie Roach, who he described as “my family, a brother and a friend.
“I will never forget what I have done and accomplished in my life,” he said.
Born Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao On December 17, 1978, Nicknamed “PacMan”, he is regarded as one of the greatest professional boxers of all time.
He has been serving as a Senator of the Philippines since 2016, and as party President of the ruling party PDP–Laban since 2020 (disputed since 2021),and representative of Sarangani (2010–2016).
