Pacquiao ready to retire from boxing, focus on politics

MANILA, Philippines – Sarangani Rep. and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao on Wednesday said he is ready to step away from the sport that made him one of the most popular and highly-paid athletes in the world, and fully focus on his political career.

Pacquiao on Monday formally announced that he intends to run for a Senate seat in the 2016 elections, but will have time for one last fight in early 2016.

"I'm 37 years old na," Pacquiao said Wednesday morning during an appearance on ANC's "Headstart." "I'm not saying that I'm retiring, pero siguro may fight pa na isa before the elections, and then…"

"Ready na siguro (to retire) dahil ang tagal ko na sa boxing. More than 20 years na ako sa boxing," he added.

Pacquiao is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in their so-called "Fight of the Century" last May. He was non-committal when asked about the possibility of a rematch.

"Hindi natin masabi kung may rematch o wala. Depende, depende," he said.

Mayweather however has already retired after beating Andre Berto for his 49th professional victory last September, making chances of a rematch remote.

Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum, has said that the "Pacman" will fight again either February or April, though the boxer himself said that he can also fight in March. No opponent has been named, though Arum has come up with a list of potential foes that includes Terrence Crawford and Amir Khan.

(READ: Pacquiao-Khan talks begin, bout targeted for early 2016)

The "Pacman" however is seemingly satisfied with his decision to hang up his gloves after one last match, saying he came to the decision with the guidance of God.

"What does God tell you?" host Karen Davila asked.

"Kumbaga, tama na," Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao currently has a record of 57 wins with six losses and two draws. He has won championships in eight different weight divisions and was named Fighter of the Decade by the Boxing Writers Association of America.