Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao, who is planning to run for president in the 2022 Philippine elections, said on Wednesday he was retiring from boxing to focus on his political career.
Pacquiao made the announcement in a 14-minute video posted on his official Facebook page.
In August, the world's only eight-division champion lost a WBA welterweight world title match against Cuban Yordenis Ugas.
Pacquiao, 42, is a Philippine senator and has up to now been dividing his time between politics and fighting.
"I just heard the final bell. Boxing is over," said an emotional Pacquiao, who rose from poverty to become one of boxing's biggest box-office draws during a 72-fight career.
"I never thought this day would come as a I hang up my boxing gloves," added Pacquiao, as he thanked his fans all over the world.
Known for his blistering speed of punches, Pacquiao was widely regarded as one of the best fighters in the sport's history.
Veteran promoter Bob Arum in 2010 said he was unmatched, and rated him better than Muhammad Ali. "His left and right hand hit with equal power and that is what destroys his opponents," Arum told Reuters.
The 'Pac-Man' had his first pro bout age 16 and would go on to win world titles at flyweight up to light middleweight and fought some of boxing's biggest names, including a 20015 defeat against Floyd Mayweather - the biggest payday in the sport's history.
He retires with a professional record of 62 wins (39 KO), eight defeats and two draws.
“Boxing has always been my passion, I was given the opportunity of representing the Philippines, bringing fame and honour to my country every time I entered the ring," Pacquiao added.
“I am grateful for all my accomplishments and opportunity to inspire the fans.”
-
Floyd Mayweather, left, lands a left to the head of Manny Pacquiao, during their welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Saturday, May 2, 2015. AP -
Manny Pacquiao lands a punch during his defeat to Floyd Mayweather. Getty -
Floyd Mayweather celebrates after his fight against Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas. AP -
Manny Pacquiao gestures to the crowd after losing to Floyd Mayweather. Getty -
Floyd Mayweather, left, in action during his dominant points victory over Manny Pacquiao. AFP -
Floyd Mayweather after defeating Many Pacquiao. AFP -
Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao face-off ahead of their fight. Reuters -
Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao ahead of their fight in Las Vegas. AFP
Growing up in the south of the Philippines, Pacquiao's family was dirt-poor, prompting him to do odd jobs to survive. He stowed away on a boat to the capital Manila as a teenager, where he started competitive boxing.
Pacquiao was among the staunchest allies of Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, backing the leader's bloody war on drugs and his bid to reintroduce the death penalty.
But their political ties soured after Pacquiao criticised Duterte's friendly relationship with China and corruption in the government. In July, he was ousted as president of the country's ruling political party.
Pacquiao started his political career with failed congressional run in 2007. He won a seat at the lower house of congress in 2010, representing the southern Sarangani province.
The two-term congressman was elected for a six-year term in the upper chamber in 2016.
-
Manny Pacquiao attends an afternoon training session at Wild Card Boxing in Los Angeles. AFP -
Manny Pacquiao stretches ahead of an afternoon training session at Wild Card Boxing in Los Angeles. AFP -
Manny Pacquiao takes part in a sparring session at Wild Card Boxing in Los Angeles. AFP -
Manny Pacquiao gets his gloves put on before a training session at Wild Card Gym. AFP -
Manny Pacquiao prepares for a training session at Wild Card Boxing in Los Angeles. AFP -
Manny Pacquiao talks to trainer Freddie Roach after an afternoon training session at Wild Card Boxing in Los Angeles. AFP -
Manny Pacquiao takes part in a sparring session at Wild Card Boxing in Los Angeles. AFP -
Manny Pacquiao trains attends an afternoon training session at Wild Card Boxing in Los Angeles. AFP -
Manny Pacquiao skips rope during a training session at Wild Card Boxing in Los Angeles. -
Manny Pacquiao trains in the morning with fans and friends at Pan Pacific Park in Los Angeles. AFP -
Manny Pacquiao trains in the morning with fans and friends at Pan Pacific Park in Los Angeles. AFP -
Manny Pacquiao trains in the morning with fans and friends at Pan Pacific Park in Los Angeles. AFP -
Manny Pacquiao jogs in the morning with fans and friends in Los Angeles. AFP -
Manny Pacquiao (2ndR) jogs in the morning with fans and friends in Los Angeles. AFP
