Manny Pacquiao retires from boxing to pursue another passion of his

As far as boxing icons are concerned there may not be a bigger name than Manny Pacquiao. The eight division champ and future hall of famer called it quits Tuesday night at the age of 42. Manny made an official statement on his Facebook live thanking his fans and the sport of boxing.

“It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over. 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. Goodbye boxing. Thank you for changing my life. When my family was desperate, 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. I will never forget what I have done and accomplished in my life that I can’t imagine. I just heard the final bell.”

Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 knockouts) last fought in Las Vegas on Aug. 21, losing a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas. In his career he has won 12 total titles. Over the course of his 26-year career, he won championships at six weight classes in between. In his hayday he was a rare combination of speed and power. In 2019, Pacquiao defeated previously undefeated Keith Thurman via split decision to secure the welterweight (147 pounds) championship for a fourth and final time at 40 years old. With the victory he became the oldest welterweight champion in boxing history. Still holding the belt in 2020, he became the oldest fighter to hold championships in four different decades.

Perhaps Pacquiao’s biggest contribution came in his home country of the Philippines where he was elected as senator in 2016 and has held that position ever since. Pacquiao just recently announced his intent to run for president of the Philippines in 2022. His bid was officially accepted on September 19th. Pacquiao will be running an anti-poverty campaign. "I am a fighter and I will always be a fighter inside and outside the ring," Pacquiao said after accepting his presidential nominations. “The Manny Pacquiao in front of you today was forged by poverty.The Manny Pacquiao that they have been trying to take down is used to making comebacks, hard work and victory. I know how it feels to be poor and I know how tired you all are.”

Manny Pacquiao's legacy inside the ring is one that boxing lovers will always cherish. His fast and furious style will be missed by fans everywhere. However, his greatest accomplishments are probably still yet to come.