Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao announced his retirement from boxing on Tuesday night, making room for his 2022 presidential run.
The boxer uploaded a video titled “Good bye boxing” on his Facebook page, where he spoke about his career in the sport and revealed he is hanging up his gloves. Pacquiao’s retirement comes a month after his defeat to Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugas. During Pacquiao’s time in the ring, he accumulated 62 wins and 39 knockouts.
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“To boxing fans all over the world, thank you very much,” Pacquiao said in his video. “I deeply appreciate your love and support. Thank you for always praying for me and watching my fights through the years.”
The boxing champion is currently a senator of the Philippines, having held office since June 2016 and set to end his term in June 2022. Pacquiao will challenge President Rodrigo Duterte after being nominated on Sept. 19 by the PDP-Laban party as its presidential candidate for the 2022 election.
Pacquiao has accused Duterte and his administration of making corruption in the Philippines worse, warning that politicians responsible for the increased corruption “will soon end in jail together.”
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“I am a fighter, and I will always be a fighter inside and outside the ring,” Pacquiao said in his nomination acceptance speech. “I wholeheartedly, bravely, and humbly hope for your support.”
