MANILA, PHILIPPINES – President Benigno S. Aquino III would like Sarangani Representative and Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao to seriously consider retiring from boxing after his upcoming fight with Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
The Chief Executive made the statement on Tuesday during an interview with members of the Philippine media delegation covering his participation in the recently concluded 26th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit here.
“I’m very confident that he will do our countrymen proud as he has always done. Of course, I go back to my perpetual message, continued fighting in the ring does not promote good health,” President Aquino said when asked to share his thoughts on the forthcoming fight.
He cited the case of legendary heavyweight fighter Muhammad Ali, who was eventually diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after years of enjoying a triumphant boxing career.
“Palagay ko, hindi naman niya hinihingi ang payo ko, pero sa akin, sa isang Pilipino na humahanga kay Manny Pacquiao… Marami ka nang nagawa. Siguro naman, dapat ulitin ko ang paalala ko… na huwag mo nang pasukan ang unnecessary risks, kung pwede,” President Aquino said. (I know he is not asking for my advice, but for me, as a Filipino fan of Manny Pacquiao… you have done enough. I’m just reminding you not to take anymore unnecessary risks, if it’s possible).
He said Pacquiao’s bout against Mayweather may already be considered as his ‘crowning glory’ that he could definitely choose to spend more time with his family thereafter.
The Pacquiao-Mayweather boxing match is happening on May 2 (May 3 in Manila) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is considered as one of the most highly anticipated sporting events of the year.
President Aquino said he plans to watch the fight via delayed television broadcast at the comfort of his home — after probably receiving text messages informing him of Pacquiao’s expected victory.
In response, Pacquiao said he will make his announcement to whether or not to finally hang his gloves after his fight against Mayweather. – BusinessNewsAsia.com