Pacquiao stands firm on desire to retire
LAS VEGAS – It seems we’ve seen the last of Manny Pacquiao the boxer on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) for now.
There’s no certainty about a comeback, neither there is in staying out of the boxing limelight.
Pacquiao said he wants to experience retirement first.
“You know, let me enjoy first a retired life,” he told reporters after besting Timothy Bradley in their trilogy, hacking out a unanimous decision win.
As expected, Pacquiao faced questions about fighting on, now that there are still potential opponents for him. Rising star Terence Crawford is on the short list of those who might get a shot at the Filipino icon.
So is Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, whose name was floated by Top Rank chief Bob Arum the other day here.
Then of course, a possible rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr., who defeated Pacquiao in the richest boxing match ever last year.
The Filipino icon remained non-committal in either staying retired or coming back.
“If you ask me to come back, I won’t know because I don’t know a retired life. I’m not there yet, so I don’t know what is the feeling,” Pacquiao continued. “I have a commitment to my family. I made my decision already.
Asked to go on record that he’ll never step on a boxing ring ever again, Pacquiao refused to take the bait.
“You’re good, ha,” he told the reporter who hurled the question at him. “My heart is 50-50 (on comeback). But I love my family,” he said.
Pacquiao just wants to be left alone, for now.