Manny Pacquiao to retire next year after one last fight to focus on politics – ‘God told me so’
Star says he will need all his time to dedicate to becoming a senator
Philippine boxing hero Manny Pacquiao announced Wednesday he would likely retire next year after one last fight to focus on a career in politics, hopefully as a senator.
The born-again Christian, winner of an unprecedented eight world titles in as many weight divisions and at times touted as a future president of the Philippines, said he had taken career advice from God.
“I think I’m ready [to retire]. I’ve been in boxing for more than 20 years,” Pacquiao, 36, said in an interview on local ABS-CBN television network.
“I prayed to God for guidance and I am happy about it.”
Pacquiao turned professional when he was 16 years old and has won 57 fights, including 38 knockouts while losing six, three of them knockouts. Two other bouts ended in a draw.