Pacquiao on Wednesday (January 20 PHT) opened his pre-fight press conference with Timothy Bradley by expressing his delight in facing the American fighter once again and to show that he still has it.
“I am so thankful for this great opportunity before I am going to retire,” said Pacquiao, who is running for the Senate. “You’re giving me another chance to prove in boxing that I can still fight until the end.”
According to Pacquiao, he selected Bradley, a foe he has faced in the ring two times before, after seeing him improve as a fighter since their last meeting. He also indicated that he expects a lot of action from the American fighter in the ring.
“I chose Bradley because I believe Bradley, he is different than before we had the last fight. He improved a lot and we know that, and we saw that in his last fight with Rios.” explained Pacquiao. “And also I believe we can make a lot of boxing in the ring in this fight.”
As Pacquiao went on in his speech, he proceeded to thank all his supporters and detractors who have helped him in his career and reiterated that it was time for him to finally call a time on his career as a prize fighter.
“Thank you to all my friends, even those who aren’t my friends, I will call my friends. Thank you for another fight that I have, for the last time,” he said.
Pacquiao admitted he would probably be emotional once he finally hangs up his gloves, saying that he couldn’t fight forever.
“I am so happy to be hanging my gloves after this fight because of what I have done (my achievements),” said Pacquiao. “I am sure I will feel sad after that but that’s life, not all the time you can keep on fighting.”
Pacquaio wrapped up by drawing analogies from his beginnings in the sport, and finally reminding everyone why he has to finally call it a career.
“I remember when I started boxing because I wanted to help my family, my mother, and now I end my boxing career because I want to help my countrymen, the Filipino people.”
Manny Pacquiao will face off against Timothy Bradley on April 9 (April 10 PHT) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — In what was set as the final pre-fight press conference in Manny Pacquaio’s storied boxing career, the Filipino pugilist says that after putting on his gloves to help his mother, he is finally taking them off for good to help his countrymen.
