Thursday cover: Examining the legacy that Manny Pacquiao is set to leave behind

Boxer Manny Pacquiao is The National Sport's cover star on Thursday, January 7 as John McAuley examines the legacy he is set to leave behind after he retires following his next fight.

As the Fillipino fighter announced the date of his retirement on Tuesday, one of the most extraordinary careers in boxing instantly became a little fuzzier, slipping ever so slightly from that brilliant blur of colour to acquire a sepia tinge.

And as his final fight in a 65-bout stint, if the April 9 joust with Timothy Bradley proves to be just that, draws ever closer, it is difficult not to contemplate what constitutes the legacy of the diminutive Filipino with dynamite in his left fist.

Much more than simply the best pound-for-pound fighter of his generation, however not-remotely-simple an accomplishment that is. Much more than an eight-division champion, from flyweight through to light middleweight, an achievement so barely believable that only he can lay claim to it.

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If you go

The flights
Etihad (etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Luang Prabang via Bangkok, with a return flight from Chiang Rai via Bangkok for about Dh3,000, including taxes. Emirates and Thai Airways cover the same route, also via Bangkok in both directions, from about Dh2,700.
The cruise
The Gypsy by Mekong Kingdoms has two cruising options: a three-night, four-day trip upstream cruise or a two-night, three-day downstream journey, from US$5,940 (Dh21,814), including meals, selected drinks, excursions and transfers.
The hotels
Accommodation is available in Luang Prabang at the Avani, from $290 (Dh1,065) per night, and at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort from $1,080 (Dh3,967) per night, including meals, an activity and transfers.