Eight weight division world Champion Boxer ended his career late Saturday night after a win over Timothy Bradley. Pacquiao seeks a senatorial seat in the Philippines during elections in May.

Pacquiao, before his fight with Bradley, faced lots of scrutiny due to his comments regarding same sex couples. Pacquiao compared same sex couples to animals when asked in an interview regarding same sex marriage. Many have ridiculed Pacquiao since his comments went public.

Footwear and Athletic wear company Nike cut its contract with Pacquiao due to his comments. Boxer Mike Tyson thought Pacquiao was both disrespectful and foolish with his comments.

Junior Dev Patel said, ” Though I am a Manny Pacquiao fan I am really disapointed in his comments. As a role model to many he should have worded his stance on same sex couples differently.”

Even though he faced various problems due to his comments, Pacquiao resumed on with his plans to fight Bradley. Training camp started in the Philippines so that Pacquiao could be close to his family.

Assistant cut man and best friend to Pacquiao , Buboy Fernandez took charge as head trainer for the first leg of camp. Trainer Freddie Roach soon took over when Pacquiao arrived in Los Angeles to complete training camp.

Many critics and sports writers surprisingly favored Bradley over Pacquiao in third fight. Many thought that Pacquiao was too distracted from the back lash he received from his comments. Pacquiao showed little to no signs of distraction as he was solely  focused on winning the fight.

Pacquiao and Bradley looked very well durring the fight. Pacquiao was able to knockdown Bradley two times in the seventh round and in the ninth round. Pacquiao showed his speed and power looking very much in shape and in form.

Pacquiao was able to win a very convincing unanimous decision. With the judges scorecards of 116-110, 116-110 and 117-109. During a post fight interview Pacquiao confirmed that he would retire from the sport of boxing.

“I’ve committed to my family that after this fight I will spend more time with them and focus to serve the people of the Philippines,” Pacquiao said. “That is my priority.”

Many boxing promoters and former fighter feel that this is not the end of Pacquiao’s historic boxing career. Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum does not think he is done with the sport and sees Pacquiao fighting atleast once more time. Future hall of famer Roy Jones Jr. thinks that Pacquiao had a good performance and thinks he should continue on his path to greatness.

Pacquiao’s long time trainer Roach believes that his career is not over. Roach saw vintage Pacquiao in his performance against Bradley showing his infamous rapid hand speed and surprising power.

Junior Louis Constentino said, ” After seeing Manny looking very good in his preformance against Bradley I do not think he’s done with the sport just yet and I do think he will fight at least two more times.”

If indeed true and Pacquiao’s career is over after a very good performance against Bradley. Pacquiao leaves the sport with a well respected legacy that will be remembered for a very long time. Pacquiao was able to capture championships in eight weight divisions a record that still stands today.

Pacquiao was not only able to capture many world championships he was able to capture the imagination of many of his fans. In many of his bouts Pacquiao was very entertaining and thrilled the fans every time in the ring. Pacquiao showed heart and grit every time the bell rang.

Pacquiao was both an inspiration both inside and outside of the boxing ring. Pacquiao donate the money out of his wallet to his fellow Filipino citizens in need. To truly honor someone that is great you have you have to appreciate their greatness and commend them for their humanitarian efforts.

Pacquiao is one of many athletes that are retiring from their respective sports. Peyton Manning Kobe Bryant and Calvin Johnson are among the athletes retiring this year. How should athletes be remembered? Should athletes be remembered for more for their actions off of the field?