Filipino fighter Manny Pacquiao toured the streets of Manila in front of hundreds of fans in a motorized float today to celebrate his victory over American Timothy Bradley for the world welterweight title of the Boseo World Organization, in the last bout before his withdrawal.
The vehicle in which Paquiao was transferred, surrounded by dozens of motorcycles to ensure his safety, left early in the day from the Makati district, the financial center of the city, and reached Quezon, a more humble area of Manila.
Although Pacquiao was enthusiastically received by his compatriots, not many Filipinos took to the streets this time to see their most international athlete, who announced his retirement a few months ago to dedicate himself to politics.
Last Saturday the Filipino defeated the American Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas, USA, in what is supposed to be his last fight as a professional boxer.
Shortly before the parade, the fighter spoke about his “difficult decision” to retire from the sport.
«I grew up boxing. Boxing is my passion and it is not easy for me to quit, “said the Filipino at a press conference a few hours after landing in Manila.
However, Pacquiao, who arrived in Manila accompanied by his wife and children, pointed out that his family has been “happy” with his decision to leave the sport.
“They are happy that I have finally listened to their requests to retire,” he said.
The Filipino fighter, who earned the admiration of his compatriots for becoming one of the best boxers in history from a humble birth, has presented his candidacy for the Senate in the general elections of the Philippines on May 9.
The boxer represents in Congress the province of Sarangani, in the south of the country, since 2010, although he has received numerous criticisms for being one of the congressmen who has missed the sessions the most times.
Pacquiao has won the world crown in eight different categories in his career and has a record of 58 wins (38 by KO), 6 losses and 2 draws. EFE
Pacquiao travels Manila in a float after the victory in his last fight
