Manny Pacquiao announces retirement from boxing

Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has officially announced his retirement from the sport, ending a 26-year career.

Pacquiao, the only man to hold world titles in eight different divisions, made the announcement in a 14-minute video posted on his official Facebook page on Wednesday.

"It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over," Pacquiao said. "Today, I am announcing my retirement. I had 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.

"Goodbye, boxing. Thank you for changing my life. My family was desperate, you gave us hope. You give me the chance to fight out way out of poverty. Because of you, I was able to inspire people all over the world."

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Pacquiao, a Philippine senator who has declared his candidacy in the 2022 Philippine presidential election, retires with a record of 62 wins (39 knockouts), eight losses and two draws.