Dhe Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao quits professional sport and wants to devote himself to his political career in the future. “I find it hard to accept that my days as a boxer are over. Today I announce my retirement, ”said the 42-year-old in a video message to his fans on Wednesday. “I never thought that day would come,” added the former boxing world champion in eight different weight classes. “Goodbye boxing.”
Only ten days ago Pacquiao announced that he would run for president of his country as the successor to President Rodrigo Duterte. “I am a fighter and I will always be a fighter, in and out of the ring,” he emphasized. At the end of last year, Pacquaio was appointed the new leader of the PDP-Laban party by President Duterte. Pacquiao is a folk hero in his homeland.
Senator since 2016
“Boxing has always been my passion,” said the sports legend when he said goodbye. “I am grateful for all of my achievements and the opportunity to be able to inspire my fans.” In 2010 he went into politics in addition to his boxing successes. He has been a senator since 2016.
In August Pacquiao lost his first boxing match in two years in Las Vegas. He was defeated by the Cuban Yordenis Ugás on points in the fight for the super world championship welterweight belt according to the version of the WBA. For Pacquiao it was the tenth loss in the 71st fight of his career.
The next presidential election in the Southeast Asian island nation is due in 2022. According to the constitution, Duterte is not allowed to run again. Instead, the current head of state, who was mainly controversial because of his tough anti-drug fight, announced that he would be running as Vice-President.
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