Boxing legend Manny Pacquia announced on Wednesday that he was retiring from boxing to focus on his presidential run in the 2022 Philippine elections.

The eight-division world champion and senator who is now completely focused on his run to replace President Rodrigo Duterte said that the decision of quitting the sport that had lifted him out of poverty was the “hardest decision” of his life.

“It is difficult for me to accept that my time for me as a boxer is over,” shared in a video that went viral on Twitter immediately. “Today I am announcing my retirement.”

He announced his decision to run for the Philippines President in 2022 came in a live-streamed speech during the assembly. “I am a fighter, and I will always be a fighter inside and outside the ring, I am accepting your nomination as candidate for president of the Republic of the Philippines.”

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