Arguably one of the most popular Boxers of this generation, Manny Pacquiao after constant speculation confirmed that his career in the ring had finally come to a close after 72 professional fights.
The 42-year-old, who is currently a senator in the Asian nation, said he accepted the presidential nomination of his faction of the PDP-Laban political party at its national convention over the weekend. As Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's six-year term ends, Pacquiao pledged to campaign on fighting poverty and corruption.
"I am a fighter, and I will always be a fighter inside and outside the ring," he said in a speech. “To government officials who continue to rob government coffers, you will soon find others in jail,” Mr. Pacquiao also warned when he announced his candidacy. “Your time is up.” Pacquiao, who lived a life of poverty before embarking on a boxing career, said it was high time to fight for the poor and eradicate poverty.
Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs), 42, lost via unanimous decision to WBA super welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas last month in Las Vegas. He was elected congressman of Sarangani in 2010 and as senator of the republic in 2016. Pacquiao is also the second individual to signify his intention to run for the highest political position in the country. Just a few weeks ago, fellow senators Panfilo Lacson and Vicente Sotto III announced their partnership for president and vice president, respectively.
The eight-division world champion, widely seen as one of the greatest pound-for-pound stars of all time began his professional career way back in 1995, winning his first world title at flyweight in 1998, before clinching further belts at super bantamweight in 2001, featherweight in 2004, and going all the way up to super welter - beating Keith Thurman in 2019 to secure his eighth belt.