One of the greatest boxers of all time in Manny Pacquiao is hanging up his gloves for good.
Pacquiao, the eight-division champion, announced his retirement via Facebook. This comes after reports of the Senator of the Philippines’ desire to run for President.
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. Good bye boxing. https://t.co/Bde4wO82sA
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) September 29, 2021
"It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over," Pacquiao said. "Today, I am announcing my retirement. I never thought that this day would come. As I hang up my boxing gloves, I would like to thank the whole world, especially the Filipino people, for supporting Manny Pacquiao."
During his speech, Pacquiao thanked all of his fans, the media, Freddie Roach, his training team, family, and former promoter Bob Arum, among others.
The 42-year-old made his boxing debut in 1995 and has won titles (twelve total) in eight different weight classes. He also became the first boxer to win the lineal championship in five different weight classes. Divisions he has competed in include flyweight, featherweight, and welterweight.
Pacquiao mainly fought in the Philippines until competing in the United States in 2001, beating Lehlohonolo Ledwaba for the IBF Super-Bantamweight Title. Facing the likes of Shane Mosley, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Timothy Bradley, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Floyd Mayweather, Oscar De La Hoya, and Juan Manuel Marquez, Pacquiao has seen and done it all.
Headlining many events, one of his highest-rated performances came against Mayweather in 2015. The fight generated over 4,600,000 buys and $400,000,000 in revenue.
Pacquiao was supposed to face Errol Spence Jr. for the WBC and IBF Welterweight Titles, but the latter had to withdraw after suffering an injury to his eye. He then faced Yordenis Ugas this past August, losing via unanimous decision. Before facing Ugas, Pacquiao beat Keith Thurman for the WBA Welterweight Title.
"Goodbye, Boxing. Thank you for changing my life... You gave us hope. You gave me the chance to fight our 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," Pacquiao went on to say.
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