Tokyo, 29 September, /AJMEDIA/
Philippine boxing legend, national hero and politician Manny Pacquiao announced his retirement from the sport on Wednesday as he focuses on his bid for president in the May 2022 election.
Pacquiao, who has won world titles in eight different weight divisions, had 72 fights overall during his career with 62 wins, eight losses and two draws. Of those wins, 39 were by knockout.
The 42-year-old senator announced his candidacy on Sept. 19, weeks after losing a professional fight against Yordenis Ugas of Cuba in Las Vegas.
“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 message posted on his Facebook page.
Pacquiao retired from professional boxing before, in April 2016. But he reemerged from retirement in November that year.
Pacquiao has been a senator since 2016. He previously served two terms in the House of Representatives.
