Manny Pacquiao and Bob Arum. File Photo
HOLLYWOOD—If ever Manny Pacquiao decides to return to the ring, there will always be a room reserved for him.
“As far as I’m concerned he’s retired,” promoter Bob Arum told Filipino sportswriters. “But if he changes his mind, he can call me.”
Though saddened by the retirement of his most bankable star, Arum said life goes on for Top Rank.
Pacquiao knocked down Timothy Bradley Jr. twice to win by unanimous decision Saturday night, then announced that he’s officially hanging up his gloves to devote more time to his family and to his job as a legislator.
With his second straight victory over Bradley in their trilogy, Pacquiao ended his sterling 21-year boxing career in a blaze of glory.
The only eight-division world champion starting from flyweight all the way to super welterweight, Pacquiao will also be remembered as a former pound-for-pound king, three-time Fighter of the Year and reigning Fighter of the Decade.
Following his triumph, retail and entertainment complex The Grove lifted its ban on Pacquiao for his anti-gay comments aired on television.
Pacquiao and his family went to the Los Angeles complex Tuesday to visit a gadgets store and watch a movie.
They later proceeded to the Tom Bradley International Airport for their 11 p.m. flight back to Manila.
As usual, Pacquiao was mobbed and whisked through a VIP entrance.