Manny Pacquiao works the mitts with trainer Freddie Roach inside the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, California on Saturday afternoon. Pacquiao and Bradley will be fighting for the third time on April 9 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. PHOTO BY REM ZAMORA
HOLLYWOOD—Benjie Paras knows a thing or two about age catching up with an athlete.
So when asked whether he thinks Manny Pacquiao should hang up his gloves after his third fight against Timothy Bradley, the PBA legend believes it’s about time.
“For me, it’s the right time for him to retire,” Paras, who was present at Pacquiao’s Saturday afternoon workout at Wild Card gym here, told Manila-based reporters. “His body has had its share of beatings.”
After dominating the league in the 90s, the PBA’s only rookie-MVP was beset with injuries in the latter part of his illustrious career en route to his retirement at the age of 34.
“As an athlete, I know what it’s like. It’s hard [to perform] when the time comes that your body is not cooperating anymore. Age catches up with you,” Paras added.
Pacquiao earlier said he is decided on retiring after his April 9 bout, but has kept the door ajar for a return amid talks about pro boxers fighting in the Olympics.
With retirement on the table or not, Paras believes that Pacquiao’s fight against Bradley a week from today still generates as much anticipation.
“We don’t have anyone to look forward to watching but Manny. No matter who you pit him against, it’s going to be exciting for me,” Paras said. “Even if it’s their third fight, I believe it’s still going to be a good match.”
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