Manny Pacquiao announced his retirement from boxing a little over a month after his unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugás. Here’s how the end unfolded.
On Tuesday, Sept. 28, legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao called it a career a little over a month after losing to Yordenis Ugás in his final boxing appearance.
Pacquiao announced his retirement at 11 p.m. ET via Twitter.
“To the greatest fans and the greatest sport in the world, thank you!” read Pacquiao’s tweet. “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 [sic] boxing.”
Pacquiao’s tweet was accompanied by a video 14-minute video featuring Pacquiao himself addressing his fans, discussing his career, and thanking those that helped him along the way.
Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs) fought professionally for 26 years and accomplished incredible feats in that time. He turned professional at the age of 16 in his home country, the Philippines. He lost in his 12th bout but didn’t let his early career setback to thwart his future. It wasn’t the only time that Pacquiao lost, but his spirit and boxing intelligence allowed him to grow and flourish in the sport.
Pacquiao would go on to win his first of 12 world titles in 1998 as a flyweight. He demonstrated an uncanny ability to meet his challenges in the ring and made the impossible possible. He won titles in eight different divisions and is the only boxer in history that can say that.
When it was all said and done, Pacquaio owns victories over Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito, Shane Mosely, Juan Manuel Marquez, and many other boxing greats.
Manny Pacquiao ended his boxing career with a win/loss against Yordenis Ugás and added to his incredible legacy in the ring
Pacquiao lacks the perfect record of one-time foe Floyd Mayweather Jr., but he gained everybody’s respect with his willingness to take on all comers. It’s hard to believe that a fighter who debuted at 106 pounds could find success up through the 147-pound division.
Pacquiao’s lasting legacy is based on his vast accomplishments and his gift for getting back up after falling. He didn’t always win, but Pacquiao always found a way to learn, get better, and overcome incredible odds.
With his career in boxing over, politics will likely take the main stage. Pacquiao is currently a senator in the Philippines, but he has his sights set on becoming the country’s president.
Pacquiao announced his intention to run for president of the Philippines on Sept. 19. Don’t be surprised if Pacquiao soon becomes President Pacquiao.
Congratulations on a storied career, senator, and thank you for your contributions to boxing and your outstanding performances in the ring. Pacquiao will be remembered as one of the greatest boxers of all time.