Manny Pacquiao. AP FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — For one of the greatest ever to put on a pair of boxing gloves, Manny Pacquiao knows the end of a celebrated career is near.
Pacquiao on Monday hinted at retirement as the biggest bout of his life inside the ring could also be his last.
“Malapit na yan (it’s close),” Pacquiao, who has logged over 400 rounds in 64 professional bouts, told Dyan Castillejo on ANC when asked about calling it quits.
“We will announce it,” Pacquiao quickly added.
And if the 36-year-old Pacquiao does decide to close the curtains, his final fight on May 2 against top pound-for-pound fighter Floyd Mayweather is only fitting for a finale.
Against Mayweather, Pacquiao, also a lawmaker in Sarangani and a playing-coach in the Philippine Basketball Association, is the underdog.
Not that he has any problem with that.
“I like that kasi mas motivated ako (because I’m more motivated),” he said.
Mayweather, unbeaten in 47 outings, has emerged as the 3-1 favorite over Pacquiao.
Being the underdog isn’t new to Pacquiao as well as rising to the challenge.
Pacquiao’s major break happened 14 years ago when he demolished then-IBF super bantamweight champion Lehlohonolo Ledwaba as a late replacement.
He proved he’s a force to reckon with for a long time after punishing Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera two years later.
Then came “The Dream Match” with the great Oscar dela Hoya in 2008 in his first crack at the welterweight division and again Pacquiao defied the odds.
Mayweather had said during his interviews that he has the advantage over Pacquiao in almost every aspect, whether it be that his taller or that he packs a meaner punch.
Pacquiao though, remains confident despite giving up two inches in height and five inches in reach.
“I’m Confident because I have God, God is with me.”
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