Manny Pacquiao retirement: Filipino champ has nothing else to prove in boxing, says wife

Manny Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee fully supports his husband’s decision to retire after meeting Timothy Bradley on Apr. 9 in Las Vegas, saying that the Filipino boxing icon has nothing else to prove in the sport.

Jinkee believes it is high time for the former eight-division titlist to hang up his gloves and focus more on his political career and family. Jinkee, who also holds a seat in the government, told in an exclusive interview with Phil Boxing’s Eddie Alinea that 21 years of boxing greatness should be enough for Manny as for the Filipino boxer to have plenty of time enjoying his life in retirement.

“I believe he's served his sport too much already so he should really retire and concentrate on serving his people, if he so desires, without sacrificing everything, his body and, most importantly, his family," Jinkee said. "I believe him and he should make true [to] that promise [retirement] for his own good and for our sake, his family."

Pacquiao has always been adamant about retiring from boxing after he faces Bradley for the third time in his career. But fans and pundits, including Top Rank Promotions boss Bob Arum and trainer Freddie Roach, do not believe the Pacquiao-Bradley III would be the Filipino’s last hurrah.

Meanwhile, Freddie Roach has arrived in the Philippines at General Santos City to supervise Pacquiao in his preparations ahead of the Bradley fight. The first half of the 37-year-old’s training camp is expected to be in the country, while the second half will be at the Wild Card Boxing Club.

However, there are concerns about Pacquiao getting distracted in training camp, with the Filipino also predicted to campaign for the upcoming national elections. According to Chris Williams of Boxing News 24, it would not be a good idea for Pacquiao to split his workout sessions for his senatorial campaign, especially if he is looking to score a knockout against Bradley.

“I could see Pacquiao being drained from his campaigning and not able to train as hard as he needs to in order to win the fight,” Williams noted. “Roach is concerned that Pacquiao will be able to do the hard work needed for him to get in shape.”