Manny Pacquiao, Filipino boxing superstar and senator, is at a crossroads in his career.
After an upset defeat to Yordenis Ugas Sunday, Pacquiao hinted it might be the end of his glittering 26-year professional career.
"In the future you may not see Manny Pacquiao fight in the ring. I don't know,” said the 42-year-old southpaw who has earned the moniker “Pambansang Kamao”—the only boxer to win championships in eight different weight divisions.
"I've done a lot for boxing and boxing has done a lot for me. I look forward to spending time with my family and thinking about my future in boxing.”
"In my heart I want to continue fighting. But the thing is I have to consider also my body,” he added.
But hanging up his boxing gloves is not the only decision Pacquiao has to make.
Pacquiao, believed to be mulling a presidential bid, is now expected to turn his attention to his political career.
"There's a lot of things that I need to accomplish to help people and that's my mission. I want to be an inspiration to all the Filipino people inside and outside the ring,” he said.
"I am a fighter inside and outside the ring. And I look forward to getting back to the Philippines and serving the Filipino people as this pandemic continues to affect millions in the Philippines.”
“I will make a final announcement next month,” he added.
In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Pacquiao described the presidency as being a “destiny.”
"God has a plan for me. I want to be a legend in boxing and a legend in politics. That is my legacy," he said in SI interview.
But Pacquiao is first to admit that his political fight is proving to be an even bigger and tougher challenge than his bouts inside the boxing ring.
“I know that I am facing a big problem and more difficult work than boxing, but I want to help the people. I want to help them,” he said. With AFP