Manny Pacquiao retires from boxing ahead of Philippine presidential campaign

Legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao announced his retirement from the ring on Wednesday ahead of a presidential run in the Philippines.

“I would like to thank the whole world, especially the Filipino people, for supporting Manny Pacquiao. Goodbye boxing,” Pacquiao, a Philippine senator, said in a Facebook video. “It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over. Today I am announcing my retirement.”

Pacquiao, who has won 12 world titles, ended his 26-year career with 62 wins, eight losses and two draws, knocking out 39 opponents in the process. The boxing legend is the only person in history to secure world titles in eight separate weight classes, The Associated Press noted. Yet Pacquiao lost his final fight — his first in two years — in August.

“Thank you for changing my life. When my family was desperate, you gave us hope, you gave me the chance to fight my way out of poverty,” Pacquiao continued in the video. “Because of you, I was able to inspire people all over the world. Because of you I have been given the courage to change more lives.”

“I will never forget what I have done and accomplished in my life,” he added. “I just heard the final bell. The boxing is over.“

Pacquiao, who has accused outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte of worsening the situation in the Philippines, recently won his party’s nomination to run for president in May. The former fighter has vowed to battle poverty and corruption.

“I am a fighter, and I will always be a fighter inside and outside the ring,” Pacquiao said upon accepting the nomination earlier in September, according to Reuters.