Pacquiao ponders ring retirement, political plans after loss – KIRO 7 News Seattle

LAS VEGAS – (AP) – Manny Pacquiao sounded like a fighter on the way out and a politician on the way up.

He might have hidden his battered face behind large sunglasses, but Pacquiao made no excuses or denials after making a discouraging unanimous decision against Yordenis Ugás on Saturday night.

Yes, Pacquiao announced that his legs were cramped during the fight on the Vegas Strip, depriving him of the mobility that has always made his power so dangerous.

The eighth division world champion was still acknowledging the bigger fact that was clear even to most of his loyal fans around the world: he deserved his loss to Ugás, a talented opponent who probably wouldn’t have been much of a problem for Prime Pacman.

And that could be a good reason to go away.

“This sport is my passion,” said Pacquiao. “That’s why, at 42, I’m still fighting here. I enjoy it, but sometimes you have to think about the body’s reaction. … My mind, my heart, it’s 100%. But my legs cramped. “

In the moments after returning from a two-year absence in the ring losing to the lean, resilient Ugás, Pacquiao repeatedly hinted that he plans to retire from boxing.

He’s still the sport’s two biggest active stars alongside Canelo Álvarez, but Pacquiao (67-8-2) has never spoken so openly about leaving 26 years of professional combat behind.

“I’ve done a lot for boxing and boxing has done a lot for me,” said Pacquiao. “I look forward to spending a lot of time thinking about my future in boxing.”

Pacquiao’s Postfight comments contained a dash of such catchy, prepackaged phrases – something like a politician’s blunt speech.

In fact, the Filipino senator’s next fight is likely to be in the political ring: he is widely expected to take part in the Philippines presidential election next month before the May 2022 elections.

“In my heart I want to keep fighting,” said Pacquiao. “But the thing is, I have to be considerate of my body too. I’ve been through a lot. In my country in particular, there are many things that I have to achieve in order to help people. I want to be an inspiration to the Filipino people inside and outside the ring. “

Countless athletes have struggled to find rewarding ways to fill their time after retirement. That wouldn’t be a problem for Pacquiao: his chaotic life doesn’t get any less hectic, but it could be a little more focused with just one career.

When Pacquiao retires, he will leave boxing as one of the greats of his generation. Coupled with his stunning selection of championship belts and groundbreaking mobility in all weight classes of the sport, Pacquiao will be remembered for his utter fearlessness of defeating countless larger enemies without blinking.

Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s loyal coach for the past two decades, admitted he was “a little worried” about the champion.

“He’s been boxing for a long time and he’s the best guy I’ve ever had,” said Roach. “The best guy, the best fighter. I hate to see the day he retires, but it could be. We’ll see what Manny decides. “

Another scenario seems just as plausible at this point: Pacquiao won’t win the presidency in nine months – he’s behind several candidates in early polls – and then gets a very lucrative opportunity to get back in the ring at the end of next year when he will be nearly 44 .

Given Pacquiao’s competitive nature and relatively expensive lifestyle, his self-esteem could be overcome by the rewards of the fighting game.

But in the moments after that convulsive, frustrated great loss for the first time in four years, Pacquiao thought deeply about his present condition and future priorities.

“This situation could end my boxing career,” said Pacquiao. “But that is my statement to all boxing fans around the world: The most important thing is how we can help each other, especially in this pandemic.”

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