Boxing star Manny Pacquiao, who is planning to run for Philippine president in the 2022 elections, says he is retiring from boxing to focus on the biggest fight of his political career.
Pacquiao, a Philippines senator who has been dividing his time between politics and fighting, made the announcement in a 14-minute video posted on his official Facebook page.
“As I hang up my boxing gloves, I would like to thank the whole world, especially the Filipino people for supporting Manny Pacquiao. Goodbye boxing. “It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over. Today I am announcing my retirement.”
“Thank you for changing my life, when my family was desperate, you gave us hope, you gave me the chance to fight my way out of poverty. “Because of you, I was able to inspire people all over the world. Because of you I have been given the courage to change more lives. I will never forget what I have done and accomplished in my life that I can’t imagine. I just heard the final bell. The boxing is over. ”
Pacquiao finished his 26-year, 72-fight career with 62 wins, eight losses and two draws. Of those 62 wins, 39 were by knockout and 23 by decision. He won 12 world titles and is the only fighter in history to win titles in eight different weight classes.
Pacquiao was widely regarded as one of the top offensive fighters in the sport’s history.
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