Only Manny can decide on retirement

Manny Pacquiao has other problems in his mind after finishing off Brandon Rios in Macau last weekend. A tax issue, a visit to the typhoon victims, congressional duties and the next fight in April are among the things that need his attention.

The last thing he should worry about—and he’s probably telling all of us as well—is whether he has lost his killer’s instinct or that he should consider hanging up his gloves.  The eight-time champion has just won a huge fight on a world stage where everybody was watching and trying to find out if he still has it.

Quite clearly he does.  The dominating win was not carved by a neophyte, hungry boxer trying to jump-start a career or a headhunter with a reputation to protect.  This was a thinking boxer who came out of two losses, the last of which could have been career ending.  The punches were crisp, precise and on the button.  The evasive moves were a clinic on how to avoid being hit while remaining ready to unload big bombs.

The knockout opportunity did not present itself blatantly in the fight.  At best, it did come up twice and Pacquiao was already way ahead in points.  Unlike in the Timothy Bradley fight where Pacquiao did not do quite enough, he piled more points than needed against Rios.  He won every round although one scorecard looked like he lost at least one.

Pacquiao has not lost his edge but perhaps he has gained more prudence.  The knockout dealt by Juan Manuel Marquez has made Pacquiao wary of being too gung-ho.  And this should not disappoint boxing fans because Pacquiao the smarter fighter is just as thrilling to watch as before.

This talk about retirement should also cease.  No one but Pacquiao can tell when it’s time to hang up his gloves.  If you’ve been doing something passionately all your life, it will take a lot for you to stop doing something.  Boxing is Pacquiao’s life.  I know we are all concerned about his safety and preventing the horror of seeing him limping inside the ring when he has nothing left.

What Pacquiao has left is two to three more big fights.  Floyd Mayweather Jr. should respond to the worldwide clamor for a fight.  If he is a true champion, he should stake his unbeaten record against Pacquiao and prove that he is the better boxer. He has avoided the Pacman way too long and it has not helped his image in any way.

Don’t worry too much about Manny Pacquiao.  He is smart enough to know when he doesn’t have it anymore and when there’s nobody else around worth fighting against. Let’s worry about him by letting him be his own man and decide his own fate.  He is not yet done with boxing.

FASTBREAK 2: Kiefer Ravena and a slew of college stars and movie/TV personalities come together for a basketball game to help the Supertyphoon “Yolanda” survivors. Fastbreak 2 will be on Nov. 30, 4:30 p.m. at Blue Eagle Gym.  Tickets are  from P100 to P500. It’s always a great undertaking when young people come together to play sports for a worthy cause. Have fun watching the stars play and help along the way as well.