The Filipino professional boxer, celebrity, and politician Manny Pacquiao announced that he is retiring from his long-term career in boxing on Wednesday, September 29, 2021,
Pacquaio posted a 14-minute video on his official Facebook page as he made his official announcement.
"It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over," he said. "Today, I am announcing my retirement. I had 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," he added.
"Goodbye, boxing. Thank you for changing my life. My family was desperate. You gave us hope. You give me the chance to fight our way out of poverty. Because of you, I was able to inspire people all over the world."
In his video, Pacquiao mentioned young boxers that have the potential of bringing full hope and honor to our country. He also thanked his family and fans for their full support throughout his boxing career.
Retiring from his career as a professional boxer, he is now focusing on his political journey as he aims for the highest post in the upcoming elections in 2022. Pacquiao announced earlier this month that he would run for President in the 2022 polls as he accepted the nomination from the PDP-Laban camp, which he co-leads with Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III.
Pacquiao is stepping away from the sports industry at the age of 42. He was the only boxer who won championships from eight different weighting divisions. At the age of 16, his career started, and in 1998 he won his first world title as a flyweight.
His last fight was in Las Vegas last August 22, where the Cuban boxer defeated him, Yordenis Ugas, through a unanimous decision.
Pacquiao's last fight might have ended with a defeat, but he will retire with a record of 62-8-2 with 39 knockouts.
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