Manny Pacquiao has officially retired from boxing after 25 years of fighting professionally. The Filipino superstar shared the news via social media late Tuesday evening.
“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. Goodbye boxing,” Pacquiao tweeted.
Pacquiao completed his career on August 21, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada against Yordenis Ugas. The boxing superstar lost a 12-round unanimous decision to Ugas, but received applause as he exited the ring. Over the course of his 25-year career, Pacquiao won world titles in eight weight classes while racking up wins against legends like Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel Marquez and Miguel Cotto. Most recently, he became the oldest man to win the welterweight title when he beat then undefeated Keith Thurman in 2019.
Moving forward, Pacquiao will turn his attention toward politics. Earlier this month, he announced that he would run to become President of the Philippines.
“I boldly accept the challenge of running as President of the Philippines. We need progress. We need to win against poverty. We need government to serve our people with integrity, compassion and transparency. The time is now. I am ready to rise to the challenge of leadership,” he told his supporters.
Election Day in the Philippines is set for May 9, 2022. He will compete against Senator Panfilo Lacson and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.
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. https://t.co/Bde4wO82sA
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) September 29, 2021
