NEW YORK CITY – Jinkee Pacquiao watched from a distance as her husband, boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao, addressed the media during Thursday’s press conference at the Madison Square Garden.
Jinkee listened as the 37-year-old Pacquiao reiterated his decision to retire from the sport after his third fight with American Timothy Bradley on April 9 in Las Vegas.
“It’s sad to say that this will be my last fight. I have to focus on a bigger responsibility – to help the people. But it’s good that I will end my career in a good way,” said Pacquiao.
It was music to the ears of his wife.
“I’m happy that he has decided to retire because I’ve waited long for this. Matagal ko na gusto eh. I thought there won’t be another fight,” she said.
However, the current vice governor from Sarangani, where the boxing icon is a second-term congressman, knew Pacquiao has a commitment, a contract to honor with Top Rank.
So the deal was that after this fight, it’s over.
“He has a contract to honor. But I was still surprised because he didn’t tell me he would make such announcement in Los Angeles the other day,” said Jinkee.
But it’s been said a number of times over the past two days. Pacquiao has made up his mind that this is going to be his farewell fight.
“I’m happy and our children are happy, especially the girls. I don’t know but the boys don’t seem to mind,” said Jinkee.
Once it’s over and done with, after watching her husband go through countless battles over the last 20 years, Jinkee said they will miss a lot of things.
“Maybe we will miss going to Las Vegas to watch him fight. Next time, we will be there for a vacation. It will be family time,” she said.
Pacquiao can also focus his time and attention to serving the people, especially if he is elected senator in May.
“He can take on the responsibility without other people having something to say and talk about his absenteeism in Congress. This time there will be no issues,” she said.
“Wala na masasabi ang tao. Full time na siya sa politics,” she added.
Jinkee was asked if she’s seriously buying the thought of the Bradley fight being Pacquiao’s last.
“I will continue praying that he never returns to fight again,” she said.
She’s keeping her fingers crossed on this.