Manny Pacquiao and Jinkee wait for boarding time of their New York-bound flight at LAX. Photo by Roy Luarca
NEW YORK CITY—If there’s one person who’d be happy when Manny Pacquiao bows out of the ring, it’s his wife Jinkee.
The Sarangani Vice Governor, who’s no longer seeking reelection, couldn’t hide her elation when Pacquiao announced his retirement on Tuesday at Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles and affirmed it Thursday at Madison Square Garden here.
“I was really surprised when he said in yesterday’s (Tuesday) presscon in LA. “He didn’t tell me about it. But I’m happy that he finally decided to retire. It’s what we (she and Mommy Dionesia) have been waiting for.”
Jinkee said she wanted Pacquiao to retire as early as 2012, when Pacquiao suffered a shocking sixth round, one-punch knockout loss to arch rival Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico.
“Yes, it’s been my wish for a long time,” said Jinkee. “I thought there wouldn’t even be a fight now, but I understand he has to finish his contract.”
Actually, Pacquiao is under contract with Top Rank Promotions up to late this year. A long layoff following the shoulder injury he sustained in a losing effort to Floyd Mayweather Jr. last May 2, however, will push the Filipino icon’s contract to midway of February next year.
According to Jinkee, their five children were very happy, particularly the girls Queenie and Princess.
Retirement, according to Jinkee, would enable her husband to devote more time with his family and his duties as a public servant.
“I don’t want any more issues so that the people won’t criticize him anymore,” added Jinkee. “I’ll continue praying that his mind won’t change. That he will no longer return [to the ring].
Asked about her thoughts on Pacquiao-Bradley III, Jinkee said: “Of course, I would like him to win. But he must concentrate on his training.”
The Pacquiaos will leave Friday morning for Manila, with a brief stopover in Vancouver, Canada.