PAC IT IN TIME
Manny admits he may retire after slump in Sin City
MANNY PACQUIAO concedes he may finally retire after his shock defeat by Yordenis Ugas.
The 42-year-old lost by a unanimous decision to the Cuban in the early hours of yesterday at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena and will now consider his future.
“I want to fight but the thing is I have to consider my body,” said the eightdivision world champion.
“You may not see Manny Pacquiao in the ring in the future. But I am so happy with what I have done in boxing. To all the fans, I really appreciate your efforts.
“I hope that during my 20 years in boxing I gave you enjoyment and happiness.”
Pacquiao is likely to quit the ring to focus on his burgeoning political career in his native Philippines. He is a senator and will announce next month if he will run in May’s presidential election.
Pacquiao added: “There are a lot of things I need to accomplish to help people.
“That’s my mission. I’m a fighter inside and outside the ring, and look forward to getting back to the Philippines and serving the people.”
As well as Ugas, Pacquiao has been beaten by Father Time. He would easily have seen off the unremarkable 35-year-old a couple of years ago and trainer Freddie Roach admits it may be time to hang up the gloves after 72 fights spanning 26 years as a pro. The Hall of Fame trainer said: “I hate to see the day he retires but this could be it. “He didn’t have a great performance.” Pacquiao had not fought since beating Keith Thurman to the WBA welterweight title more than two years ago and the lay-off took its toll. Although he threw more punches than Ugas, the Cuban underdog was much more accurate. Ugas was only drafted in at 11 days’ notice when original opponent Errol Spence Jr failed a prefight medical. The Vegas victor said: “I’m a warrior. I’ve been doing this since I was six. We only had two weeks of training but I listened to my corner and it all worked out.” RIGHT YOU ARE Ugas catches Pacquiao