Manny Pacquiao could not stop crying after announcing retirement as legend, 46, prepares for controversial comeback
MANNY PACQUIAO could not stop crying after failing to cope with being a retired boxer.
The Filipino great hung up his gloves in August 2021 following defeat to Yordenis Ugas.
But after a failed presidential campaign in the Philippines and a couple of exhibition bouts – Pacquiao is returning.
And PacMan – who won honours in EIGHT divisions – opened up on his emotional struggles after retiring from the sport.
He said: “That moment when I announced I was hanging up my gloves four years ago, I was so sad.
“I couldn’t avoid the tears coming out of my eyes. I really missed boxing.
“For however many months, I was like, I’m not a boxer anymore?'”
Pacquiao was beaten in the 2022 presidential election and then failed in a bid for a second run as a senator this year.
So he is now fully focusing on boxing after juggling pugilism with politics throughout his career and retirement.
Pacquiao said: “Right now, the book of politics is closed. It’s not even in my mind. I’m focusing on my career as a boxer again.
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“I can still do my job in boxing. I’m not done yet. The fire, the determination, the eagerness to train and work hard, it’s still there. It’s amazing.”
Pacquiao faced Korean YouTuber DK Yoo in a 2022 exhibition in the first sign he was making a comeback.
He then returned last July for another exhibition, against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in Tokyo.
And despite not winning since 2019 – SIX YEARS AGO– talks were ongoing behind the scenes for a world title shot.
Before long, it was announced that Pacquiao, at 46, will challenge for Mario Barrios’ WBC welterweight title.
Per WBC rules, a contender must be ranked within their top 15 in order to be eligible for a championship bout.
So it came as little surprise when Pacquiao sneaked back into the WBC’s top five in mid May – despite his absence from the ring.
Boxing’s oldest world champ of all time is Bernard Hopkins, who won a world title aged 49.
And Pacquiao said: “It would mean a lot for me to become world champion again.
“Manny Pacquiao is always giving surprises to the fans. That’s my passion and it’s really important to me.
“I want everyone to be happy with this fight. My goal is to leave a legacy to the boxing fans.
“I want to inspire the young generation who are dreaming of becoming a champion.
“July 19 is gonna be a lot of action. There’s a lot of great fights on this card.
“I know what Barrios is capable of and I know that we can entertain the fans.”