Manny Pacquiao has achieved enough in his illustrious career to have a place among the all-time greats of the game. Not only has he acquired a worldwide following but he has the respect of his peers and budding boxers. While he is known for his dominance inside the boxing ring, 2021 wasn't quite the year for him.
Not only did the "Pacman" fell to a stunning defeat against Yordenis Ugas but after that, he has even announced his decision to retire from the sport. Some of the most passionate fans of the sport have been left shattered. While fans will never have enough of their favourite boxer, some purists believe that this could perhaps be the apt time for Pacquiao to step down.
The argument behind this school of thought is that the veteran boxer seemed past his prime and that he has proved everything that is there to be proved in the boxing ring.
In a recent interview, Mexican boxing great Canelo Alvarez opened up on the retirement of the "Pacman" and his illustrious career. "It’s time, I think it’s time, and it’s sad to hear, but he do a lot of things in boxing, so he’s a great fighter," he told Fight Hub TV.
Check out the video of the interview here:
Pacquiao, it is expected, will venture actively into politics post his retirement from sport. He has, in fact, already announced his bid for the presidency for the 2022 elections in the Philippines. That after a phenomenal career in boxing.
He is the only eight-division world champion in the history of boxing and has twelve major world titles to his credit. He also remains the only boxer to hold world championships across four decades (1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s).
In 2019, Pacquiao had become the oldest welterweight world champion in history aged 40 years. Given his track record of excellence, there is no doubt that he could well have a great career in politics where has already made a mark.
The decision to retire from sport should also be seen in the backdrop of the presidential elections on the brink.