Presidential candidate Manny Pacquiao puts an end to his boxing career

Some will say it was not too early, others already regret the decision: The multiple boxing champion, Manny Pacquiao, hangs up the gloves at the age of 42. Candidate for the presidential election in the Philippines, he had to resolve to make the “most difficult” decision of his life.

“It’s hard for me to accept that my boxing career is over,” Manny Pacquiao said in a video message posted on Twitter, “today I’m announcing my retirement. “

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. https://t.co/Bde4wO82sA

– Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) September 29, 2021

Manny Pacquiao began his professional career in January 1995 with a purse of 1,000 pesos (19 euros) before amassing a fortune estimated at over $ 500 million.

The boxer, married with five children, thanked his millions of fans around the world. He was also keen to pay a special tribute to his longtime trainer Freddie Roach, saying he considers him “my family, a brother, a friend”.

Deputy then Senator

Manny Pacquiao entered politics in 2010, when he was elected MP, before becoming a senator in 2016. He has sometimes sparked controversy with his statements in favor of the death penalty or hostile to homosexuality.

But he is extremely popular in the archipelago of 110 million people, where his generosity and his ascent to success as he was born into extreme poverty are deeply admired.