Manny Pacquiao Fight News: 'Pacman' Reiterates Retirement Plans After Bradley Fight
Eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao fought his 66th and supposed final professional fight against former WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley on Saturday night.
"Pacman" was able to drop Bradley twice in the fight held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, and subsequently won by unanimous decision, with all three judges giving a 116-110 tally to the Filipino boxing icon.
As he had repeatedly stated in previous interviews, Pacquiao has decided to finally retire from active competition, after two decades of fighting inside the squared ring.
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This decision is mainly anchored on his desire to become a full-time public servant in his home country of the Philippines.
Currently a Congressman for the Sarangani Province, Pacquiao will be running for a Senatorial seat at the May 9th Philippine Elections. Many people, including his own trainer Freddie Roach, are skeptical about Pacquiao staying retired.
But after the bout, the boxer himself reiterated his plans after his victory over Bradley.
"I've made a commitment to my family that I'm going to retire after this," Pacquiao said during his post-fight interview above the ring. "Maybe I enjoy being a retired man, serving the people, helping the people."
He then thanked his legions of fans and supporters who have been by his side through the ups and downs of his illustrious career.
Pacquiao began his professional boxing career in 1995 in the Philippines, but only got his big break in 2001 when he first fought in the United States against Lehlo Ledwaba. He was then able to show his brilliance against the likes of Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales, Oscar De La Hoya, Shane Mosley, Ricky Hatton, and Miguel Cotto, among others.
It has been a proven fact that prizefighters have a difficult time walking away from the sport, particularly those who have had dominant runs. Which is why Pacquiao admits that he is not 100% certain about his retirement yet, but is firm on his decision, at the moment.
"My heart is 50-50. But I love my family, I honor my family, my kids," Pacquiao said during the post-fight press conference. "Right now, my decision is to retire."
