At least three senators shared the sentiments of President Rodrigo Duterte that Senator Manny Pacquiao, hailed as the country’s “Pambansang Kamao,” should retire after winning the WBA World Welterweight Title over Lucas Matthysse of Argentina on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Senators JV Ejercito, Panfilo Lacson, and Ralph Recto believe that it is about time for Pacquiao to leave the boxing arena as he nothing more to prove.
“As a friend, I share the same sentiments. Manny Pacquiao is already a legend, no doubt one of the best boxers in the world ever. Nothing more to prove,” said Ejercito.
He noted that no other Filipino in the recent decades has given so much glory and honor to the country like Manny Pacquiao.
Lacson said it’s not about having enough money already. “I’d say, my advice to my colleague, seatmate, and friend is that it is best to leave the stage while the audience is applauding; not when they have left because nothing is worth watching. “That would be both sad and tragic,” he added.
Recto said it would be better Pacquiao to retire while on top. “Am sure his wife and family would want him to retire to preserve his health,” he said.
He said that Pacquiao has proven time and again that he is a great Filipino champion.
But Senator Sonny Angara said only Pacquiao can decide whether he would resign from boxing or not.
Angara said he believes the President doesn’t want to see Pacquiao fall prey to what many great fighters do—which is fighting one time too many.
“Muhammad Ali should no longer have fought Berbick in 1983. But different fighters have different careers so it is something Manny will have to consider sooner or later,” he said.
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and Sen. Francis Pangilinan on the other hand, said they do not want to comment on this matter.
“I leave it up to him. I’d rather not voice out my thoughts about it,” he said.
Sen. Nancy Binay said it depends on Pacquiao where he would be happy. He said if his happiness is in boxing, he should proceed with it.
“But if it does not give him happiness or satisfaction anymore, maybe it’s time to retire,” she added.
