Boxing analyst Sev Sarmenta feels Pacquiao deserves 'last hurrah' in the Philippines

Veteran sports broadcaster and analyst Sev Sarmenta would like to see Manny Pacquiao go out on a winning note following his twelve-round decision loss against WBA world welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas last Sunday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, USA.

Shortly after the heartbreaking defeat, the 42-year-old Filipino boxing icon hinted that he may be heading towards retirement but has recently stated that he is willing to fight one more time even in a rematch against the Cuban Olympian.

Regardless of who the next opponent is, Sarmenta believes that Pacquiao deserves a chance at a farewell fight preferably in the Philippines so he can retire coming off a win.

“Boxing in reality and fiction, the fighter never gets that blaze of glory ending, even Rocky Balboa. Muhammad Ali did not also walk out in a blaze of glory and got pummeled in his last fight,” Sarmenta said.

“Let us put it this way, let him announce his last fight without his familiar lines. Last fight, do it in the Philippines, be it Araneta Coliseum or Philippine Arena, anywhere. Do it, then say goodbye. That's what I feel.”

Celebrity DJ and lifelong fight fan Rico Robles, on the other hand, says that Pacquiao could pursue the previously talked about showdown with former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor or even lightweight prospect Ryan Garcia.

Whoever he decides to pick for a farewell fight, Robles says that having it done in the Philippines is a must.

“One last hurrah, do it in the Philippines. It could be Conor McGregor since they are both loved by their nations that could be a good comeback as well for Conor. If he wants a Ryan Garcia that could be in Vegas but I want him to end it in the Philippines. Whoever it is, it has to be here.”

—JMB, GMA News