Manny Pacquiao Officially Retires From Boxing Ahead Of His Presidential Run In The Philippines
On Wednesday, boxer Manny Pacquiao announced his retirement from the ring ahead of his presidential run in the Philippines.
Pacquiao, who is a Philippine senator, said in a Facebook video: “I would like to thank the whole world, especially the Filipino people, for supporting Manny Pacquiao. Goodbye boxing.” He added, “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,” Pacquiao continued in the video. “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,” he added. “I just heard the final bell. The boxing is over.”
Pacquiao, who won 12 world titles, had eight losses and 62 wins during his 26-year won his party’s nomination to run for president next May. The former fighter has vowed to battle poverty and corruption after accusing outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte of worsening the situation in the Philippines.
“I am a fighter, and I will always be a fighter inside and outside the ring,” Pacquiao said back in September after accepting the nomination, Reuters reports.