Legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao has decided to call it a career.
One of the legendary careers in boxing has come to an end. Manny Pacquiao has announced his retirement from the sport on Wednesday.
In a video posted on Facebook, the 42-year-old boxer shared some words on his career and what boxing has done for his life.
“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,” Pacquiao said in the video.
Manny Pacquiao enjoyed a career that spanned 26 years. In 72 fights, he finished 62-8-2. Out of 62 victories, Pacquiao picked up 39 knockouts and 23 by decision. He is a 12-time world champion. Pacquiao last fought in August when he was defeated by Yordenis Ugas. This was his first fight in nearly two years.
Pacquiao left the Philippines as a teenager and began his fighting career at 16 years old. He made his professional debut in 1995 as a junior flyweight and the rest is history. Pacquiao was one of the highest-paid athletes over the course of his career.
It is not surprising to see Pacquiao hang up the gloves as he has hinted at this for awhile now. He has since ventured into politics and recently accepted his political party’s nomination. Pacquiao will run for president of the Philippines in the May 2022 elections.
Manny Pacquiao will leave boxing with a legendary career as an influential athlete. His story began at a young age and turned into an inspirational one for all people. Pacquiao will continue to be in the spotlight, just in a different way. Either way, he will always be part of boxing and its history.
“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. I just heard the final bell. The boxing is over.”
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