Seth Udinski, FISM News
On Tuesday, one of the greatest boxers of all time announced that he will be hanging up his gloves at the age of 42.
Manny Pacquiao, one of the most beloved and respected boxers of the 21st century, officially retired on Tuesday after 26 years in boxing. He was well known for both his powerful jabs inside the ring and his gentle spirit outside of it. He announced his retirement via a Facebook video, saying,
I would like to thank the whole world, especially the Filipino people, for supporting Manny Pacquiao. Goodbye boxing. It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over. Today I am announcing my retirement…Thank you for changing my life, when my family was desperate, you gave us hope, you gave me the chance to fight my way out of poverty. Because of you, I was able to inspire people all over the world. Because of you I have been given the courage to change more lives
Pacquiao finished his 26-year career with 12 world titles, 62 wins, and 39 knockouts. What set him apart as a boxer was his ability to fight up and down the card, making history as the only fighter to win a title in 8 different weight classes.
Pacquiao is also an outspoken Christian, and he will now focus his attention to the arena of politics. He recently announced that he would run for president of the Philippines, which is his home country. He has promised to fight against corruption and poverty as a politician, which is near and dear to him since boxing provided the path for him to escape a life of hardship.