MANILA, Philippines – Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, an eight-division world champion, has announced his retirement from the sport.
Eight-division world boxing champion and Philippine Senator Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao announced his retirement from boxing on Sept. 29, 2021. Keep clicking to see more memorable moments from his career.
1996: A teenage Manny Pacquiao, the boxer who went on to become a world champion sensation. He is seen here at the LM Gym in Manila.
2001: Manny Pacquiao and Lehlohonolo Ledwaba pose for pictures after the IBF Super Bantamweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
2002: Manny Pacquiao poses with his Ring Belt during a portrait session.
2003: IBF Jr. Featherweight Champion Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines celebrates defeating Emmanuel Lucero to hold onto his title on July 26, 2003, at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. Manny Pacquiao won by knockout in the third round.
2004: Philippino boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao, also known as Pacman, seen here in training at the Wild Card boxing gym in Manila.
2005: Manny Pacquiao of the Phillipines hits Erik Morales of Mexico with a right hook during Morales’ 15-13 unanimous decision win over Pacquiao during their World Super Feather-Weight Championship at the MGM Grand Hotel on March 19, 2005, in Las Vegas.
2006: Manny Pacquiao of the Phillippines celebrates after knocking out Erik Morales of Mexico in the 10th round during their Super Featherweight Championship fight at Thomas & Mack Arena on January 21, 2006, in Las Vegas.
2007: Philippine boxer Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao holds a poster advertising his upcoming title bout during a break in training at The Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles on April 5, 2007.
2008: Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines poses with his belts after he knocks out David Diaz during the ninth round of the WBC Lightweight Championship at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on June 28, 2008, in Las Vegas.
2009: Manny Pacquiao throws a left at Miguel Cotto during their WBO welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 14, 2009, in Las Vegas.
2010: Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines lands a punch against Antonio Margarito of Mexico during their WBC World Super Welterweight Title bout at Cowboys Stadium on November 13, 2010, in Arlington, Texas.
2011: Juan Manuel Marquez throws a left to the face of Manny Pacquiao during the WBO world welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 12, 2011, in Las Vegas.
2012: Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez exchange blows during their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 8, 2012, in Las Vegas.
2013: Manny Pacquiao takes part in a training session on October 9, 2013, in General Santos, Philippines.
2014: Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines and Chris Algieri of the United States exchange punches during the WBO world welterweight title at The Venetian on November 23, 2014, in Macau, Macau.
2015: Floyd Mayweather Jr. throws a left at Manny Pacquiao during their welterweight unification championship bout on May 2, 2015, at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
2016: Manny Pacquiao (right) lands a left to the chin of Timothy Bradley Jr. during their welterweight championship fight on April 9, 2016, at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Pacquiao won by unanimous decision.
2017: Manny Pacquiao poses for a portrait during a training session at the Elorde boxing Gym on May 19, 2017, in Manila, Philippines.
2018: Manny Pacquiao (left) and Adrien Broner face off during a press conference at Gotham Hall in preparation for their upcoming match on November 19, 2018, in New York City.
2019: Manny Pacquiao celebrates his split decision victory over Keith Thurman in their WBA welterweight title fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 20, 2019, in Las Vegas.
2021: Manny Pacquiao (right) hits Yordenis Ugas in the first round of their WBA welterweight title fight at T-Mobile Arena on August 21, 2021, in Las Vegas.
According to The Associated Press, the 42-year-old, who is also a senator in the Philippines, took to social media Wednesday to share the news in a 14-minute video.
“To the greatest fans and the greatest sport in the world, thank you!” he wrote in an accompanying tweet. “Thank you for all the wonderful memories. This is the hardest decision I’ve ever made, but I’m at peace with it. Chase your dreams, work hard, and watch what happens. Goodbye boxing.”
During his 26-year career, Pacquiao claimed 12 world titles, the AP reported. He won 62 matches and lost eight; two ended in draws.
The news came just over a week after Pacquiao announced he will run for president of the Philippines in the upcoming May 2022 election, according to the AP.
>> Boxing great Manny Pacquiao running for president of Philippines
“I boldly accept the challenge of running as president of the Philippines,” he tweeted Sept. 19. “We need progress. We need to win against poverty. We need government to serve our people with integrity, compassion and transparency. The time is now. I am ready to rise to the challenge of leadership.”
– The Associated Press contributed to this report.
