Jinkee Pacquiao happy with husband’s decision to retire

MANILA, Philippines – If there is anyone who is ecstatic over Manny Pacquiao’s decision to call it a day from boxing, it is his wife Jinkee. 

Pacquiao said he will retire regardless of the outcome of his rubber match against Timothy Bradley Jr on April 10 (April 9 in US).

Jinkee stressed that her husband has nothing more to prove in the sport. (READ: Pacquiao insists he’s retiring)

Pacquiao has captured 12 world titles in 8 different weight classes and was hailed “Fighter of the Year” 3 times by both The Ring Magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA). 

In addition, the BWAA recognized Pacquiao with the “Fighter of the Decade” citation for the 2000s. 

Aside from the world titles and awards, Pacquiao was long rated as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world by most sporting news and boxing websites until his setbacks in 2012.

Pacquiao is currently ranked No 7 on The Ring’s pound-for-pound list and has been in the Top 10 for 635 weeks. 

“Tama na (It is enough). I believe he’s served his sport too much already so he should really retire and concentrate on serving his people, if he so desires, without sacrificing everything, his body and, most importantly, his family,” Jinkee said in an interview with Philboxing.com.

Pacquiao, who was reelected as congressman of the lone district of Sarangani Province in 2013, plans to pursue a full-time career in politics as he seeks to secure a Senate seat in the upcoming elections. 

Jinkee said Pacquiao’s retirement allows him the chance to give his body much-needed rest.

“That’s two decades of absorbing strong punches in 65 fights he’s fought. Banging bodies with much, much bigger and stronger opponents,” Jinkee stated. “Does he need to wait for the time when he can no longer enjoy the remaining days of his life in retirement?” 

But Top Rank promotions chief Bob Arum doubts that the Filipino boxing icon will close out his 21-year prizefighting run after the third fight versus Bradley, which takes place at the 16,800-seater MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Pacquiao’s longtime trainer Freddie Roach is also skeptical about the planned retirement.

But Jinkee pointed out: “Manny has made our entire family happy when he personally announced his retirement after his coming fight. I believe him, and he should make true that promise for his own good and for our sake, his family.” – Rappler.com