Should Manny Pacquiao retire from boxing?

Talk of eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao retiring from boxing after his upcoming fight with Timothy Bradley Jr. surprised a lot of his fans here and around the world. Having recently been given the title “Bible Ambassador” by the Catholic Church, Pacquiao had stated that boxing does not jibe with the teachings in the Bible. His fans are still hoping he will have a change of heart. Read on as I asked well-known personalities in sports if they agree with Pacquiao’s decision to retire from boxing?

Cesca Litton, sportscaster

I’d be sad to see one of the greatest boxers in history retire, but if he feels it’s time, then it’s time. He has nothing left to prove. Unless Mayweather puts his money where his mouth is; then I’d love to see Manny knock him out.

Monsour del Rosario, martial artist, actor, Makati councilor

Manny is the best pound for pound fighter in the world — an eight-time division weight world champion. For all his record-breaking feats and accomplishments, Pacquiao has nothing to prove anymore, so he can quit while he’s ahead. He’s the face of world boxing now. If and when Manny retires, boxing will be boring. Manny is exciting to watch kasi. It’s pointless for him to take on Bradley or other unknown sluggers. The only fitting feather on his cap would be for him to beat the crap out of Mayweather and put an end to his loudmouthed posturing. I just hope that that fight happens while he still has the wind and the firepower.

Chris Tiu, basketball player/Smart Gilas

I will be sad because he has the unique capability to unite the nation and inspire us to excel beyond imagination. But I believe everything is in God’s plan. We cannot ask for more than what he has done for the Filipino people. And we are truly grateful. Wishing him all the best.

Akiko Thomson Guevara, commissioner, Philippine Sports Commission

Manny has brought a lot of pride to the country I think an athlete knows when it’s time to retire, at least I did. Personally I’m glad he is (if he does retire) for the sake of his health and quality of life.

Toni Leviste, Olympic equestrian   

Manny Pacquiao makes me proud to be a Filipino athlete every day.  When the day comes that he decides to retire from professional boxing, whether if that would be this year or in 10 years, I’m sure he will continue to inspire, even outside the ring.  Thank you, Pacman, for making us proud to be Pinoy!

Chot Reyes, head coach, Talk N’ Text & Smart Gilas

Yes, I agree with Manny’s plan to retire because that’s sports. You can’t go on forever, no matter how good you are, and the key is going out on your own terms — not when you’re old and desperate. Hindi yung uugod-ugod ka na at kinaaawaan ng ibang tao. Unfortunately we won’t see him fight “Gayweather.” But that’s okay — it would’ve been a terrible mismatch anyway. And Manny’s too nice to hurt him permanently.

Former Senator Freddie Webb

I believe a lot will depend on his present condition, mindset, his hunger for victory, his willingness to compete, his financial situation. As the saying goes, “Strike while the iron is hot.” Is he really ready for retirement, or will he be like other boxers who retire now and fight again tomorrow? He is the only person that can answer this. 

Doug Kramer, basketball player, Powerade Tigers

If Manny plans to retire from boxing after his next fight, I think it would be the perfect time to do so. He’s won division after division and he’s proven himself enough. Although everyone wants to see the Mayweather fight, he doesn’t need it. He should retire at the top of his game and not wait till he starts losing fights and calls it quits.

William Antonio, team captain,  Powerade Tigers PBA

Yes, I do agree with his plans to retire. I think he has proven himself to the world. He has been so blessed and the Philippines has also been so blessed to have someone so inspiring. I think he can help the youth and continue to inspire so many of us... just on a different, safer platform.

Franz Pumaren, PBA head coach, Air 21

I just hope that this fight with Mayweather finally pushes through as a fitting way to end his lustrous career but if it doesn’t materialize I believe Manny has nothing more to prove as the best pound for pound boxer in the world! He made boxing popular again and has given our country every reason to be proud!