After a stellar two-decade career, Filipino champ Sen. Manny Pacquiao on Wednesday said he would now retire from boxing to go full-time in politics.
Pacquiao's decision to retire from the sport came after he accepted the nomination of his partymates in PDP-Laban to run for president in the 2022 elections.
"It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over. Today, I am announcing my retirement," Pacquiao said in a video uploaded on his official Facebook page.
"I was given the opportunity of representing the Philippines, bringing fame and honor to my country every time I entered the ring. I am grateful for all my accomplishments and the opportunity to inspire the fans," he added.
Pacquiao, 42, thanked his trainers, friends, and family who supported him throughout his more than two decades in boxing. He also urged the public to help and cheer for the new breed of Filipino boxers who, like him, could also bring honor to the country.
"As I hang up my boxing gloves, I would like to thank the whole world especially the Filipino people, for supporting Manny Pacquiao," he said.
"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," he added.
Pacquiao's last fight was against Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugas, which resulted in his loss. Immediately after the bout, he hinted that he might be retiring from the sport soon.
At the end of his boxing career, Pacquiao had a total of 72 fights, with 62 wins, eight losses, and two draws. He won 12 major world titles in eight different weight divisions, and was the only boxer to hold world titles in four different decades.
Upon returning to the Philippines after his last fight, Pacquiao announced that he would be running for president following the endorsement of a faction in PDP-Laban, which he leads.
He would be running against Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who also formally proclaimed their presidential bid for next year.