By Jun Ray Navarres
Legends never die.
BRAVE Combat Federation President Mohammed Shahid assured the combat sports community that Manny Pacquiao’s legacy will continue to inspire young athletes with the latter’s announcement of his retirement.
The Filipino boxing icon officially announced his departure from the sport last September 29, alongside his decision to run for president in the 2022 Presidential elections.
“We, at BRAVE Combat Federation, are working hard to make sure that Pacquiao’s story is not an isolated incident in the sport anymore,” said Shahid.
“Manny will serve as an inspiration to many, many future world-class athletes from all around the world and all walks of life.”
The 42-year-old pugilist from General Santos City is the only boxer to win multiple world titles in eight different weight divisions.
Once known as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world by various sporting news outfits and websites, Pac-man will walk away from the sport with a 62-8-2 win-loss-draw record with 39 wins coming by way of knockout.
“Manny Pacquiao is a legend of combat sports, not just in the Philippines, but worldwide. He has proven that a young kid full of dreams, talent, and perseverance can overcome adversities and march towards world titles, glory, and legendary status,” Shahid added.
“He deserves all the best in this new chapter of his life.”
Pacquiao was also hailed as “Fighter of the Year” for three times by both The Ring Magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America.
Pacquiao debut as a junior flyweight in 1995 and started climbing the ranks one division after another taking down big names including Lehlo Ledwaba, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito, Shane Mosley, and Timothy Bradley Jr.
BWAA also conferred Pac-man the “Fighter of the Decade” citation for the 2000s.
Meanwhile, Filipino lightweight contender Rolando Dy thanked Pacquiao for inspiring a lot of Filipino athletes including him.
“Happy retirement, my idol. Thank you for paving the way for all of us. You are a true icon of combat sports. I will forever be grateful for the inspiration you’ve given us,” expressed Dy.
Follow the writer on Twitter: @burnsports
