Pacquiao insists he’s retiring

MANILA, Philippines – Even though many ringside observers cast their doubts that Manny Pacquiao will hang up the gloves after his rubber match against Timothy Bradley Jr on April 10 (April 9 in the US), the Filipino boxing icon stands firm on his plan to retire. 

“I don’t care what others think, but as for me, I will retire after the Bradley fight,” Pacquiao said in an interview with PhilBoxing.com.

Top Rank Promotions chief Bob Arum is not fully convinced that Pacquiao will call it quits with boxing regardless of the outcome of his third ring encounter versus Bradley, which takes place at the 16,800-seater MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

The 84-year-old promoter is taking Pacquiao’s retirement with a “grain of salt” and refuses to advertise the third meeting with Bradley as the Pinoy pugilist’s farewell fight.

Aside from Arum, Pacquiao’s longtime trainer Freddie Roach is also skeptical about his valued pupil’s vow to retire and believes the renowned southpaw from General Santos City will continue fighting.

Pacquiao would like to dispel his doubters by keeping his promise to close out his illustrious 21-year professional career two months from now, but he asserted that a comeback will remain as an option in the future. 

“If you’re retired already, you can still make a comeback, right?” Pacquiao quipped. 

Pacquiao is currently in his hometown continuing his preparation with Roach, who arrived on Sunday, February 14 from Los Angeles, California and brought in Mexican-American prospects Frankie Gomez and Jose Carlos Ramirez to spar with boxing’s only 8-division world champion.

The duo will wrap up the final 4 weeks of training camp at Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles. – Rappler.com