Passing of the torch: Pacquiao says ‘younger’ PH boxers are next

FILE – The Philippine boxing team with their medals in Tokyo. Photo from Nesthy Petecio’s Twitter

MANILA, Philippines—Manny Pacquiao is passing the torch to the younger Filipino fighters as he officially announced his retirement from boxing.

There are currently five Filipino world champions in the professional ranks and more are expected to follow like Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist and MP Promotions prospect Eumir Marcial, who showed so much promise in his pro debut last December.

The country’s amateur boxers, led by Olympic silver medalists Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam, are also brimming with talent.

“Napakarami nating mga potential boxers na mas bata at puno ng pag-asa na makapagdala ng karangalan sa ating bansa. Sila naman po ang ating tulungan,” Pacquiao said Wednesday.

(We have a lot of potential boxers who are younger and hopeful to bring honor to our country. It’s our turn to help them.)

Pacquiao, 42, retired after a celebrated 26-year career as a professional.

He is the sport’s only eight-division champion and is widely considered as one of the greatest fighters ever.

With Pacquiao calling it a career, the mantle is now with the reigning titleholders bannered by WBC bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire, IBF super flyweight titlist Jerwin Ancajas and WBO bantamweight champ John Riel Casimero.