#360debate: Should Manny Pacquiao retire from boxing?

Sport360 staff 05:24 04/05/2015
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  • Facing major questions: Pacquiao.

    After his defeat to long-time rival Floyd Mayweather on Saturday evening, questions are being raised over the future of Manny Pacquiao as a professional boxer.

    Pacquiao, 36, was comfortably beaten by his opponent in the end, with Mayweather’s ability to avoid the Filipino’s advances key to his success at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas.

    Our #360debate today is: Should Manny Pacquiao now retire from boxing?

    Alam Khan, Reporter, thinks YES.

    It’s sad to hear Manny Pacquiao’s camp complaining that a shoulder injury was to blame for his defeat to Floyd Mayweather Jnr. It is an excuse and smacks of his advisers angling for a rematch and more millions from the richest-ever fight.

    As predicted by many, Pacquiao didn’t have the speed, nor the style, to get through to Mayweather and put him under any sustained pressure.

    Perhaps it might have been different five years ago when they were both at their peak and he would have been quick, and clever enough to catch the American. Instead, the Filipino looked a tired old warhorse given one last ride in battle, and relying on guts to grab glory. He was beaten, and soundly, by a better man.

    There is no shame in losing to Mayweather, who confirmed his stature as one of boxing’s finest with another composed, controlled and classy defensive display. But, as gallant as Pacquiao has been, as great as he once was, it is now time to bow out and be proud in doing so.

    At 36, it is not just a question of age taking its toll, but desire. And, after this sixth loss in 65 bouts, he should not make the same mistake as others and keep going on for the sake of more money. He has nothing more to prove and it would only tarnish his legacy.

    No one wants to see their heroes humbled or looking way past their prime against younger, faster opponents, as it would be if he pursued an encounter with Amir Khan.

    Too good: Mayweather Jr.

    As a sportsmad youngster, my first memory of a Muhammad Ali fight was painfully watching a 38-year-old heavyweight has-been being pummelled by Larry Holmes in their 1980 world title clash.

    No one wants to witness the decline of such an inspirational figure, professionally or personally.

    Politics are expected to be Pacquiao’s future path and he plans to run for Senate in his homeland next year. That should be his next challenge – and one he can still win.

    Alex Rea, Reporter, thinks NO.

    This isn’t the first time Manny Pacquiao has hit a wall. It isn’t even the first time the question’s been asked. But let’s be clear; Pacquiao is still a top fighter. In fact, it’s incredibly easy to argue he’s still a top five, pound-forpound.

    Freddie Roach has long said that he’s promised his Filipino Slugger he will tell him when he thinks it’s time. And Pacquiao has said he’ll heed that advice and retire.

    Win or lose against Floyd Mayweather, Roach didn’t feel they were at that point; nothing has changed. Fighters, they say, tail off when they hit their 30s. Decline takes hold and by the time they turn 40, if they make it that far in the public eye, it’s over.

    That yardstick was prodded in Manny’s direction three years ago after he lay poleaxed on the canvas having received a brutal sixth-round knockout from Juan Manuel Marquez.

    Then, there was intense speculation the 36-year-old would hang up his gloves and call it a day. Never the same again his critics claimed. What happened next? He outclassed younger, supposedly hungrier opponents.

    Not the same? Brandon Rios, Chris Allegri and Timothy Bradley would argue otherwise. Remember too those fights have come in the last 24 months. The Pacman was questioned then and the wall was put up in front of him; he simply smashed it down.

    When Oscar De La Hoya was sliced, diced and chopped by Pacquiao the Golden Boy’s exit was inevitable – he had nothing left and retired.

    De La Hoya carried the sport through some tough times, and Pacquiao – alongside Mayweather – has done the same since Oscar hit the wall in that almost embarrassingly one-side loss in 2008.

    But there was nothing one-sided in Pacquiao’s defeat. He proved he is still among the elite – even Mayweather admitted it.

    It’s time for one last hurrah to add the gloss to a glittering career by proving the doubters wrong again. Pacquiao can tear down that wall once more.

    What are your views? Share them on Sport360’s twitter using the hashtag #360debate

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