Manny Pacquiao says 'Goodbye boxing'

Manny Pacquiao is officially retiring from boxing ahead of his presidential aspirations for next year. AP (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—It's now official: Manny Pacquiao has called it a boxing career.

The former eight-division world champion formalized his retirement from the game by posting a video on Wednesday simply captioned "Goodbye Boxing".

"It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over. Today, I am announcing my retirement," the 42-year-old Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao last fought in the ring last month in a losing effort to Yordenis Ugas for the WBA welterweight super title.

Boxing for the first time in two years, Pacquiao, while still displaying brilliance, looked to be outside his peak shape as Ugas put on a show to successfully defend the belt he actually got after the WBA stripped the former of it due to inactivity, further triggering talks that the match was Pacquiao's final act.

Pacquiao himself confirmed it.

"I never thought 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," his farewell address continued. "I just heard the final bell. Tapos na ang boxing."

The announcement also confirmed what the concurrent senator told singer-actress Toni Gonzaga in her vlog that he is indeed retiring ahead of his bid for the Philippine presidency next year.

His camp has actually scheduled a press conference regarding his boxing retirement, but the said event has yet to start as of posting.

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