Manny returns, hints at retirement

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao’s fighting days may soon be over.

Yes, the greatest boxer in the world today is seriously thinking of retirement, and upon his return from Los Angeles at the break of dawn yesterday said his recent fight with Joshua Clottey in Dallas may be his last.

Pacquiao stood beside his wife Jinkee and their three children at the arrival area of the NAIA Terminal 2 when he faced the media, and fielded questions regarding his immediate plans in the boxing and political rings.

He looked back at his fight with Clottey, which took place March 13 at the packed Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, and when asked about the highly-anticipated super-fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. he talked about retiring.

“We may never get there (Mayweather fight) because I might retire soon,” said the 31-year-old icon.

“My mother has been begging for me to retire and now we’re going to talk about it,” added Pacquiao, the only boxer in history to have won seven world titles in seven different weight classes. He has a ring record of 51-3-2 with 38 knockouts.

Pacquiao has won his last 12 fights, most of them big fights, and has never lost since March of 2005 when Erik Morales won a bloody decision in Las Vegas. At the rate he’s going, it seems that Pacquiao is unbeatable inside the ring.

But retirement, he said, has been knocking on the door, and soon he may have to finally call it a day.

Besides, Pacquiao is venturing into politics, and in the May 10 national elections in the Philippines he will seek a congressional slot in his home province of Saranggani. In 2007, he lost a similar battle, but vowed to do better this time.

His announement about his retirement plans may also have something to do with the coming elections because the general sentiment when he ran for office three years ago was for him to stick to boxing or join politics once he’s done with boxing.

Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, said Pacquiao’s next fight may come in November. He can announce his retirement in the middle of the campaign, and win or lose, he can return to the ring and fight Mayweather by the end of the year.

But if he retires for good, Pacquiao can live like a king for the rest of his life, and enjoy the fruits of his 15-year labor in the brutal sport of professional boxing. Maybe he should retire while he’s healthy, and while he can enjoy his millions.

“I will talk about it with my family. I know I can still fight but I can also retire and have no problem with that. I respect my parents and if they really want me to stop fighting, then I will retire,” he said.

“I know how tough it is for my mother to say that she would kneel before me and ask me to retire. I think I can retire anytime now,” said the boxer who stands to earn as much as $50 million if he fights Mayweather.

In his career spanning more than 15 years, Pacquiao has posted earnings no other Filipino athlete may achieve in a lifetime. In his last last four fights alone, he has earned $53 million in guaranteed purse.

Twenty years ago, Pacquiao had nothing in his pocket. As a child he ran away from home in Gen. Santos City and tried his luck in Manila, landing jobs in a construction firm and a bakery, and sold cigarettes on the streets.

Now he’s being treated like a rock star anywhere he goes. Yesterday, he just laughed when asked to comment about reports that he has plans of buying his own private plane that could take him anywhere, anytime he wants.

“Hindi naman (Not really),” said Pacquiao, smiling.

His wife, Jinkee, stood next to him as talked about retirement. Later on, she said it may be time to hang up those gloves.

 “If you ask me, he can retire anytime now. But it will still be his decision. I always tell him that if he can still fight, then it’s okay. But he can retire now. Whatever it is, I’ll always be here for him,” said Jinkee.

The campaign period for local positions will not begin until March 26, and for the meantime, Pacquiao can move around the country endorsing presidential candidate Manny Villar, who was among the well-wishers at the airport.

“We can move around and I get to be with my family, my children,” said Pacquiao.

Pacquiao took a commercial flight from LA to Manila, joined by his wife, and some relatives and friends. He said he slept well during the entire 15-hour flight, and enjoyed the food that was served him.

Late during the flight, Pacquiao stepped out of his first-class cabin to join the passengers in the economy section. He had pictures taken with some of the lucky ones, and acknowledged cheers from his fans.

As he got off the escalator, Pacquiao, accompanied by Villar, former DENR Secretary Lito Atienza and former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson, was met by his children. It was Princess who came up to him first, and hugged and kissed him.

Then he faced the media in a three-piece suit. His face bore no signs of the 12-round battle with Clottey whom he defeated in unamimous fashion. For his latest fight, Pacquiao was given a guaranteed purse of $12 million.

“I’m so happy to be back and see my kids. I feel good. My body is okay,” said the boxer, scheduled to arrive in Saranggani today for another hero’s welcome.

Pacquiao fielded a series of questions, saying the Clottey fight was not easy as it appeared to be, and then said he’s not after Mayweather, the self-proclaimed pound-for-pound champion who is also coming off retirement.

“I’m not the one who should run after him because I’ve accomplished everything in boxing without him. I don’t need anything from Mayweather. I’m open to fighting him or anyone else,” he said.

From the airport, Pacquiao was taken to the New World Hotel in Makati, then he went to hear Mass at the Quiapo Church before proceeding to Malacañang for an audience with President Arroyo, First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, and their grandchildren.

A motorcade that took Pacquiao around the metropolis followed, and late in the afternoon he was to proceed to the SM Mall of Asia for a party-concert hosted by GMA-7.

“I will just sing a few songs because I can’t box there. There’s no ring at the Mall of Asia,” he said.