Manny Pacquiao has confirmed his showdown with Timothy Bradley in the spring will be his last fight before he hangs up his gloves to concentrate on a political career.
Pacquiao will take on Bradley for a third time on April 9 after losing to his biggest rival Floyd Mayweather in boxing’s richest fight in history last May.
The Filipino, who has won world titles in an unprecedented eight divisions, lost a controversial split decision to Bradley in 2012, but cruised to a one-sided points victory in their rematch two years later.
“I am retiring from boxing to concentrate on my political career,” said Pacquiao. “My fight with Timothy Bradley will be my last.”
The southpaw also dismissed reports he would be delaying retirement plans in the hope of tempting undefeated Mayweather out of retirement for a rematch.
“I did not say anything like that. Nobody interviewed me about that. I will retire after my April 9 fight,” he insisted.
Pacquiao lost by unanimous decision to his arch-rival Mayweather and underwent shoulder surgery four days later on a torn rotator cuff sustained during training prior to the Las Vegas superfight.
He has won 57 fights, including 38 knockouts, lost six and had two draws in a professional career spanning more than 20 years after being raised in poverty, and currently represents the southern province of Sarangani in parliament.
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Source: Sky Sports