MANILA, Philippines — The boxing world saw one of its brightest stars closing a chapter today after Sen. Manny Pacquiao announced his official retirement from the sport on Wednesday.
Boxing's only eight-division world champion, Pacquiao hung up his gloves after fighting in four decades as he pursues a presidential post in next year's national election.
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The sports world, including some of the largest international media agencies, hailed Pacquiao after his illustrious career.
Fox Sports called Paquiao's run in pro boxing, which began in 1995 when the then skinny fighter was just 16, an "unbelievable career" and dubbed him a "living legend".
Eight-Division World Champion
— FOX Sports: PBC (@PBConFOX) September 29, 2021
Champion in Four Decades
Lineal Champion in 5 weight classes
What an unbelievable career for the living legend. THANK YOU Manny Pacquiao! ?? pic.twitter.com/vkcr5CzSLe
This was also mirrored by Premier Boxing Champions, who promoted Pacquiao's last fight against Yordenis Ugas.
LEGEND. ????????
— Premier Boxing Champions (@premierboxing) September 29, 2021
Thank you for your contribution to this great sport of boxing, @MannyPacquiao. ???? pic.twitter.com/kHyRcXbIcs
"Thank you for your contribution to this great sport of boxing," they wrote.
Sports Illustrated, meanwhile, described Pacquiao's journey in the sport as "marvelous".
Breaking: Manny Pacquiao has officially retired from boxing ????
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) September 29, 2021
Congratulations on a marvelous career, Pac Man! pic.twitter.com/Bj0sMWorDb
Other media outfits to pick up Pacquiao's retirement were Bleacher Report and ESPN's Sports Center.
Manny Pacquiao announces he is retiring from boxing
He finishes with a 62-8-2 record and the only eight-division world champ ever ???? pic.twitter.com/ppICtfm5BH— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 29, 2021
Manny Pacquiao has announced his retirement from boxing.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 29, 2021
???? Only boxer to hold world titles in four different decades
???? Only boxer to win a title in eight different weight classes
???? 25-7-2 (11 KOs) against former or current world champions
What a career ???? pic.twitter.com/2n8YcP2Qbx