What an upsetting few weeks Pacquiao has to be having. First losing the biggest fight of is career, then having surgery to repair a damaged shoulder, followed by growing law suits from “deceived” fans, and now not getting support from a likely place–home. Filipino President, Benigno Aquino, is saying it is time for Manny to hang up his gloves. Click more to read the full story!
After the fight, Pacquiao was interviewed by BBC Sports where he said, “I will focus on healing my shoulder. After that I will announce continuing my career or retirement. I’m not saying I am going to retire but its near,” and it seems that the idea of retirement is sitting well with some Manny supporters–the Filipino President in particular. Pacquiao is a government official in the Philippines so this has to feel like mean double cross.
Although President Aquino says Manny should retire, he is not saying Manny should because he lacks skill but, “One of the most tragic perhaps was when I saw (Ali) lighting the Olympic Torch with his hand shaking.” President Aquino was not speaking to the skills of Manny or Ali for that matter but more so the effects that boxing is said to have left on Muhammad Ali.
Ali currently suffers from Parkinson’s disease and many like to blame his development of the disease on boxing. However, there is not proof to coincide with that theory but it is not secret that boxing does cause some issues. Fighters that stay in the ring for extended years ofter suffer from cognitive issues and speech is often affected heavily. For that, Manny is probably thankful for this President’s concern about his health.
Manny discussing retirement around the same time Mayweather also sets off another alarm in my head. Although Mayweather has recently been quoted in saying that he will not fight Manny again because he is a coward, I could definitely see a Mayweather/Pacquiao II as the last fight for each boxer.
Source: Latin Post
