Manny Pacquiao has announced his retirement from boxing.
In a video released Tuesday, Pacquiao, 42, listed some of his greatest accomplishments – 12 world titles in eight divisions – and offered a poignant goodbye to a sport in which he electrified fans while amassing a record of 62-8-2.
“It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over,’’ Pacquiao said. “…I never thought this day would come.’’
Pacquiao, one of 12 Senators in the Philippines, announced last week his candidacy for next year's presidential elections. But he had not ruled out fighting again until Wednesday.
“Goodbye, boxing,’’ Pacquiao said. “Thank you for changing my life when my family was desperate. You gave us hope. You gave me the chance to fight our 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.’’
His most recent fight likely helped Pacquiao focus on politics. On Aug. 21, he lost a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas despite entering the fight as a significant betting favorite.
The defeat was his second in his last five fights.
Against Ugas, Pacquiao did not look like the fighter who had beaten the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto and Ricky Hatton among other notable opponents.
In the video, Pacquiao acknowledged a litany of people, including his family, his trainers and those who cheered him on.
“To the boxing fans all over the world,’’ he said. “thank you very much.’’
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