Boxing star Manny Pacquiao has officially announced he is retiring from the sport.
The Philippines boxer announced the news on social media, writing in a tweet: “To the greatest fans and the greatest sport in the world, thank you! Thank you for all the wonderful memories.
“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. Good bye boxing.”
In his 26-year career, Manny Pacquiao had 72 bouts in which he won 62, lost 8 and drew twice. Of his 62 wins, 32 were by knockout.
As the only fighter in history to win titles in eight different weight classes, he’s regarded as one of the greatest professional boxers of all time.
News of the 42-year-old’s retirement comes after a defeat by Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas last month. Pacquiao is now planning on running for president of the Philippines in the 2022 elections.
In a separate video on Instagram captioned “Goodbye Boxing”, Pacquiao said: “Thank you for changing my life, when my family was desperate, you gave us hope, you gave me the chance to fight my 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 that I can’t imagine.”
[Image by FARYSA HAMZAH via Shutterstock]