Manny Pacquiao retired from boxing as one of the greats to focus on a political career
The Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has announced his retirement from the sport of boxing to focus on his political career.
The eight-division world champion, who is a senator in his native Philippines, has already announced his intention to run for president in the country’s 2022 elections.
The 42-year-old’s final fight was a defeat by Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas last month.
On Saturday night, the Filipino suffered his eighth career defeat as he lost by unanimous decision to Cuban Yordenis Ugas in their WBA super-welterweight clash.
‘Heard the final bell’: Manny Pacquiao announces retirement from boxing
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While taking nothing away from deserved winner Ugas, it’s fair to say Pacquiao was far from his best.
“I just heard the final bell. Boxing is over,” said Pacquiao.
After 26 years in the sport, Manny Pacquiao has bid farewell to boxing and will be remembered as one of the greatest fighters in history.
I want to thank God for giving me the strength to fight. I thank my family for always standing beside me. I wish to congratulate Ugas and his team. Although, I hoped for a different outcome, I wish him the best. pic.twitter.com/jsx6vi0DY3
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) August 23, 2021
One of the greatest of all time
After making his debut as a light-flyweight on 22 January 1995, Pacquiao dominated the sport, winning an astonishing 62 of his 72 professional bouts.
An eight-division (yes, eight-division) champion and the only fighter to hold a world title in four separate decades, his achievements are extraordinary.
Many young fighters can only dare to dream of having a career as illustrious as his and other boxers have already paid tribute to one of the greats.
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