Retiring as a world champion is every fighter’s dream and it is no secret that Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao dreams of retiring as a world champion in less than two years. Speculations are swirling around that Pacquiao will retire before the 2016 national elections to seek a senatorial post. Pacquiao’s longtime trainer Freddie Roach has vowed to push Pacquiao to his limits in order to realize his fighter’s dream of retiring as a world champion. ?When it is over, it is going to be as world champion. And that can only happen with a total and absolute victory over Bradley,? Roach said. Roach is referring to Pacquiao’s WBO welterweight title which Timothy Bradley snatched from him two years ago. If he wins, he should be able to defend the title in his post-Bradley fight, possibly against Mike Alvarado or a fifth fight against longtime foe Juan Manuel Marquez.
The April 12 fight against Bradley is a “must win” for Pacquiao because other than Floyd Mayweather, his next potential opponents (Marquez and Alvarado) are non-titleholders. Retiring as a world champion is not easy in the sport of boxing. Historically, most boxers who became champions during their prime years ended up retiring without a world title. Some of the world-famous boxers who retired without a title include Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Ken Norton, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran and Ricky Hatton, among others. Seemingly, these boxers remain popular without a world title at the time of their retirement. Pacquiao and his trainer may have a different outlook in their post retirement life. Roach, who was a professional boxer before becoming a Hall of Fame trainer, retired without winning a world title after losing to fellow American David Rivello in 1986. Roach (40-13) may have dreamed of retiring with a world title in his record book for posterity and It would have been a happy ending for him despite his lackluster career record. For his part Pacquiao seems to enjoy his social stature and is proud of his accomplishments. Certainly, retiring as a champion would be one of his greatest career milestones. Roach, who treat Pacquiao like his own son says Pacquiao is motivated for the upcoming Bradley fight as well as his remaining fights. ?We decided no matter how many fights we have remaining, we are determined to run the table and win every one.? Pacquiao is set to face Bradley in a rematch on April 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. At stake is Bradley’s WBO welterweight title.
