Eight-division champion in Boxing history and Senator Manny Pacquiao officially announces his retirement as a boxer to pursue Philippine Presidency on Tuesday night, September 28, 2021. He expressed his sentiments in twitter saying “To the greatest fans and the greatest sport in the world, thank you! Thank you for all the wonderful memories. This is the hardest decision I’ve ever made, but I’m at peace with it. Chase your dreams, work hard, and watch what happens. Goodbye, boxing.”
For all the violence and fighting he has expressed in the ring, Senator Pacquiao has always been gentle and thoughtful outside it. He is mostly seen with a smile on his face, and a great philanthropist in the Philippines, where he remains an icon.
Now 42, he finishes 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 now preparing for the biggest fight in his political career.
“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,” Pacquiao said. “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.”
Pacquiao’s rags-to-riches story has inspired people all across the globe as he is the only fighter in history to win titles in eight different weight classes – has brought honor to his country and is called as People’s Champ and National Fist. With a heavy heart, Pacquiao bids his former career farewell and is now onto a new purpose. “I will never forget what I have done and accomplished in my life. I can’t imagine that I have just heard the final bell.”
