Philippine Senator Manny Pacquiao has hung up his gloves. The 42-year-old Pacquiao made the announcement of his retirement via video.
In his message, Pacquiao said: “It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over. Today, I am announcing my retirement. I never thought that this day would come. 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 gave 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.
“Tapos na ang boxing. Maraming-maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. God is good all the time. Thank you,” Pacquiao said.
Pacquiao reminisced and thanked the people who were instrumental to the success of his journey from the poor kid of General Santos to conquering the boxing world making him the only boxer to have won in eight different weight divisions.
