Analyst says Pacquiao should retire, avoid punishment like other boxing legends

Veteran boxing analyst Ed Tolentino sees no reason for Manny Pacquiao to continue fighting after he lost to WBA world welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas by unanimous decision this past weekend at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, USA.

“That should be enough, he has given our country so much honor already,” Tolentino said.

“People are saying he should fight Ugas again, what for? Why would you like to be marred in a rivalry with a fighter like Ugas? No offense to Ugas but we know a younger Pacquiao would cannibalize him alive. There is no point.”

At 42 years old, the Filipino boxing icon seemingly lost his legs and reflexes in his last ring appearance against Ugas. For Tolentino, Pacquiao should not wait until he gets badly beaten up before he hangs his gloves.

“He gave us everything that we forgot that he is aging and it is time to find life after boxing. This decision ending to Ugas is okay to me,” said Tolentino.

“Look at Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson, and De La Hoya. They all got beaten up [in their last fights]. They were either counted or had to quit. Pacquiao was on his feet, moving well after the fight. That is enough because nobody can beat his accomplishments.”

And as far as doing one last hurrah, Tolentino is also against the idea even if it would be against a less dangerous opponent.

“Pacquiao can beat up and comers but what is the purpose? He is an elite fighter who should fight elite fighters. The skills are now struggling against an elite fighter. Nobody is a champion forever. Fans are saying farewell fight in the Philippines. What for? Go to Youtube,” he stated.

“Nobody will remember Ugas. What we will remember when we appraise the career of Pacquiao is Barrera, Morales, De La Hoya, Marquez that unbelievable rivalry, and Margarito who gave him that eight division title.”

—JMB, GMA News