It's your call Manny Pacquiao

When the last bell sounded, it didn’t have the ring of a final bell to a great career. I had heard them before, most of us have. The violin from the Titanic.

If nothing else his hands had drummed an upbeat rhythm, if anyone was off a beat it was the leg section of the orchestra. No, he didn’t look 32, but for me neither did he look 42; whatever that is supposed to look like.

He looked like a guy fighting a top opponent, who had a counterpunching style that gave him trouble, but he didn’t look like a shot fighter as many have said. No more than Foreman did after losing to Holyfield, whose busy offensive style proved a problem for the man who would win the title a few years later.

I am not advocating for this legendary fighter to continue his career, and neither am I saying he couldn’t if he wanted to. There are special ones in all places of work, and as Foreman was special, so is Pacquiao.

And yes, I know what happened to a special fighter named Ali, and I understand that many of the greats have stayed too long in this unforgiving business.

I myself have called for some to be kept out for their own protection. But, like Big George and The Real Deal, when he fought Tyson as many thought he shouldn’t, I believe this Iconic Philippino man has shown he still can if he chooses to.

And is there anyone who truly believes his ’retiring’ from boxing is safer than a run for the Presidency of his Country? He has earned the right to choose the risk, and the music - written and composed by him.