Manny Pacquiao says it is the right time for him to walk away from boxing but admits he will feel sad when he does hang up his gloves after his final fight with Timothy Bradley in April.
Pacquiao has vowed to quit the sport following the final part of his trilogy with Bradley and wants to move into politics full time and help the people in his native Philippines.
The 37-year-old is already a congressman in his home country and is aiming to secure a seat in the senate at the upcoming elections.
Pacquiao has not fought since he lost the richest fight in boxing to rival Floyd Mayweather in May and aims to put on a show in his final appearance in a ring at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on April 9.
Speaking at a press conference in Los Angeles to promote the fight, the PacMan said: “I will feel sad hanging up my gloves. But you can’t go on forever in the ring.
“I started boxing all those years ago to help my family, my mother. I want to end my boxing career now because my desire in my heart is to help my people, my country.
. “The greatest achievements in life are not what we do for ourselves, but for other people. Life is short. It’s important we love each other and show unity. It’s a great opportunity to have this last fight.” Pacquiao may be adamant this will be his last fight, but his promoter, Bob Arum, who has more than 50 years’ experience in the fight game, knows a boxer’s word on retirement is hardly ever the last one.
“I will not promote it as Manny’s last fight,” Arum said.
“He says he’s going to retire, and maybe he will. The truth is that you never know with any boxer, but I haven’t known Manny to say things he doesn’t mean. But we all realise this could be the last time he fights.”
When Pacquiao – an eight division world champion – does hang up his gloves it will end one of the most successful partnerships in sport with trainer Freddie Roach.
Pacquiao’s relationship with Roach dates back over 15 years and the Filipino says their relationship is more than just that of a coach and fighter.
He said: “Freddie is not only my coach, but my brother.”
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