Boxing Great Manny Pacquiao Announces Retirement To Focus On Political Career

Manny Pacquiao, the Filipino icon who is the only boxer to win world titles in eight divisions, officially announced his retirement at age 42, in order to focus full-time on politics. 

In a 14-minute, 20-second video that was posted to his verified Facebook account on Tuesday night, Pacquiao said: "I am announcing my retirement. Goodbye, boxing."

“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, Manny Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs), who has served as a senator in his native Philippines since 2016, announced last week his candidacy for president in 2022. The "PacMan" last fought in August when he ended a two-year layoff in a decision loss to late replacement and WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas in their pay-per-view bout. 

The announcement, which was delivered by Pacquiao at a press conference Wednesday morning from the Philippines, brought to an end a legendary 26-year pro career that began in 1995 when a 16-year-old Pacquiao turned pro at 106 pounds.