Manny Pacquiao says goodbye to boxing

Manny Pacquiao, (62-8-2, 39 KO’s) delivered the news that many thought might be coming. Tuesday night, via worldwide video release, he officially announced his retirement from the sport of boxing.

A month back, Pacquiao, 42, lost a UD to late replacement Yordenis Ugas after Errol Spence had to pull out, for his welterweight world title at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. After the fight, by the way he seemed to be saying goodbye and thanking the fans, many were left wondering if we may have seen the highly decorated and beloved Philippine icon for the last time.

To say Manny had a great career would be an understatement of epic proportions. The list of fighters he has faced is literally a who’s who list of P4P champions over several divisions. While on his way to becoming a hero and beloved sports icon around the world, Manny built a resume that included world titles in 8 divisions from flyweight all the way up to junior middleweight. The Philippine’s presidential hopeful also held titles in 4 decades (1990’s, 2000’s, 2010’s, 2020’s), an incredible accomplishment to be able to fight at that level for so long.

While many are not surprised that Pacquiao, now in his 40’s, and in his 3rd decade as a professional fighter, decided it was time, it was very emotional to hear Manny leave the game as he carried himself in it - with humility, class and grace. It was very moving to hear Pacquiao who was clearly sad that he had to say goodbye to the sport that took him from abject poverty to heights of glory and fame he never could have imagined. But, with a presidential election looming, he knew it was time to move on and he can leave the game knowing he gave fans decades of thrills and memories to last a lifetime.

As Manny spoke in his video, it was clear that he loved the sport of boxing, a sport that has provided him and his family with a life he could only have dreamed of.

“To the greatest fans and the greatest sport in the world, thank you. Thank you for all the wonderful memories,” Pacquiao said in his video. “This is the hardest decision I’ve ever made, but I’m at peace with it. Chase your dreams, work hard, and watch what happens. Goodbye, boxing”, said an emotional Pacquiao. “Boxing has always been my passion. I was given the opportunity of representing the Philippines, bringing fame and honor to my country every time I entered the ring. To boxing fans all over the world, thank you very much. The Lord gave me overflowing blessings, I could never thank Him enough,” said Pacquiao, a devoted Christian. “I never thought this day would come,” Pacquiao continued.

In a phone interview last night from Los Angeles, the man behind Manny Pacquiao Promotions, Sean Gibbons, echoed the fact that everything great about Manny is genuine, in and out of the ring - what you see is what you get.

“A fighter like Manny Pacquiao comes along once in a lifetime,” said Gibbons. “He is a such a humanitarian, and he wakes up every day looking to see how he can help his Filipino countrymen. He has a deep love for his country and the people there. As far as inside the ring, his resume speaks for itself. Just an incredible body of work. He fought the best of the best and he leaves boxing as one of the sports true legends”, said Gibbons. “What a legacy as a fighter, and as a sportsman he leaves,” he said. “He always handled himself with class and honour, respecting the sport and his opponents; truly a legend”. 

And, as much as fight fans may have wanted to see the “Pac Man” in the ring again, it looks like it is indeed over. Manny - Thank You.

“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 give 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. I can’t imagine. I just heard the final bell.”