Manny Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division champion, announced his retirement from boxing in a Facebook post Tuesday night.
“It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over,” Pacquiao said. “Today, I am announcing my retirement. I never thought that this day would come. As I hang up my boxing gloves, I would like to thank the whole world, especially the Filipino people, for supporting Manny Pacquiao.”
Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs), 42, of the Philippines, won 12 major titles in his career and was lineal champion in five different divisions. He also held titles in four different decades (’90s, ’00s, ’10s and ’20s). Pacquiao, a member of the Philippine House of Representatives, recently announced he is running for president of his country in 2022.
“Congratulations to Manny Pacquiao on a well-earned retirement,” Bradley, who went 1-2 in a trilogy with Pacquiao, told ESPN. “Thank you for being an inspiration to many in and out of the sport. Enjoy the next chapter of your life alongside your family.”
Among his best performances, Pacquiao owns a 2-1-1 record against Juan Manuel Marquez, and he has victories over Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito, Shane Mosley, Timothy Bradley Jr., Brandon Rios and Oscar De La Hoya, among others.
Many in the boxing world, from fellow fighters to boxing insiders, shared their emotions and praised the legendary boxer for his successful and incredible career.
Watch the best of Manny Pacquiao on ESPN+
A highlight reel for the ages.
Thank you, @MannyPacquiao 🙏 pic.twitter.com/WfoLNJ2Lwn
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) September 29, 2021
My best wishes to @MannyPacquiao Great fighter and great human being. It was an honor // Mis mejores deseos a @MannyPacquiao Gran peleador y gran persona. pic.twitter.com/jCyVUnTFQb
— Marco A Barrera Tapi (@barreratapia) September 29, 2021
I love you manny pacquiao thank you for the legendary career and all the memories you inspired me forever 👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) September 29, 2021
One day I’ll be telling my grandkids that I fought on the same undercard with the great Manny Pacquiao. pic.twitter.com/Rp80unw6YM
— Sergio Mora (@TheLatinSnake_) September 29, 2021
Thanks for the memories champ, end of an era! My favourite fighter 🥲 enjoy retirement PAC-MAN 💥🥊❤️ https://t.co/1has405oUX pic.twitter.com/yyrUs0sTiW
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) September 29, 2021
Boxing Will Miss You @MannyPacquiao
Thankyou For Everything You Did For My Career 🥊 #Legend pic.twitter.com/ODbkngmDEa
— George “Ferocious” Kambosos Jr (@georgekambosos) September 29, 2021
Thank you, @MannyPacquiao pic.twitter.com/aSQQwEWOUa
— Gilberto J Mendoza (@GilberticoWBA) September 29, 2021
Crying real tears after watching @MannyPacquiao‘s retirement video 😭😭😭 Man, he will be missed. So so thankful to have witnessed his journey from the front row for so many years. More later but for now, God Bless you and your family Manny. THANK YOU for giving your all🙏🏼
— Crystina Poncher (@CrystinaPoncher) September 29, 2021
What you’ve accomplished will be timeless! Thank you for sharing your abilities with the world in that ring!
My friends, family and I feel very lucky to have lived through your time in the game. 💯🙏— Karrion Kross (@WWEKarrionKross) September 29, 2021
End of an amazing era in the sport. I was privileged to announce a number of Manny’s fights. It was always fun. https://t.co/699TQD3Yzq
— Al Bernstein (@AlBernstein) September 29, 2021
Thank you Manny! You wowed fight fans around the world for over 25 years. You fought the world’s best and you always gave your best. An incredibly humble and honorable fighter who always fought for his country of the Philippines.Boxing will miss you Manny! You were one of a kind https://t.co/b4ligEr1qS
— Ray Flores (@SBRFlores) September 29, 2021