MANILA, Philippines (Reuters) – Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao returned to the Philippines on Thursday (April 14) after his victory against Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao, who bounced back from a controversial split-decision defeat to Bradley in 2012 with a decisive win two years later, delivered the final blow in their welterweight clash as all three judges scored it 116-110 in his favour.
Family members accompanied the Filipino boxer at Manila’s international airport as he showed his boxing belt to the public.
Pacquiao told journalists at a news conference about his retirement.
“My family has waited for my retirement, so I think they’re happy with my decision. I thank God that we came this far and I was given a good physique and without any ailments,” he said.
He also commented on possibility of joining the Rio Olympics.
“I am really excited for the Olympics and we are thinking really hard in case they allow it, and we will see if there’s any conflict on the matter. Even from the start, that’s what we’ve dreamed about, to join the Olympics,” he said.
The head of the International Boxing Association has proposed to allow professional boxers in the olympics, drawing criticism of poor timing and possible impact on the ongoing selection of players ahead of the Rio games.
The Philippines has never won a gold medal in boxing, though it has received two silver and three bronze, according to the Philippine Olympic Commission.
After his latest ring victory, the 37-year-old former world boxing eight-division champion is looking for a knock-out win in next month’s elections in the Philippines as opinion polls showed him in tenth place for 12 vacant seats in the upper house of Congress.
