Manny Pacquiao has confirmed his retirement from boxing, with the intention to run for president of the Philippines.
The 42-year old remains boxing's only ever eight division world title-holder. In all, Pacquiao won 12 world titles during an illustrious career.
His final fight, however, was a unanimous decision loss to Cuba's Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas in August.
Pacquiao has served as a senator in the Philippines since 2016, since when he's only fought fitfully. Indeed, there were two years between his victory over Keith Thurman for the WBA (Super) welterweight title and the loss to Ugas.
Rumours have persisted that 'PacMan' was on the verge of retirement, with the Philippines going to the polls in May of 2022 to decide their president.
"My boxing career? My boxing career is already over," he told the Toni Talks show.
"It's done because I've been in boxing for a long time and my family says that it is enough. I just continued [to box] because I'm passionate about this sport.
"I will just support other boxers for us to have a champion again."
Pacquiao accepted the nomination of a faction of the PDP-Laban party at the weekend.
However, his nomination has been described as "illegal" by a rival faction within the same party.
They claim a September 8 assembly where Senator Bong Go and President Rodrigo Duterte were announced as the party's presidential and vice presidential was the correct one.
The candidacy of Duterte for vice president has been described as a cynical ploy for him to maintain power in the country.
"I am a fighter, and I will always be a fighter inside and outside the ring," Pacquiao said, "I am accepting your nomination as candidate for president of the Republic of the Philippines."
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