Manny Pacquiao Retires After Floyd Mayweather in 2015; Sets Retirement for 2016

Manny Pacquiao is set to retire from professional boxing in 2016.

In a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the eight-division champion shared that he intends to join and focus on being a member of the Philippine Senate under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

He said, "There's a big possibility that I will run for Senator. UNA asked me to join its slate and I am grateful they picked me."

Pacquiao started his professional boxing career on January 25, 1995. He recently extended his contract with Top Rank Boxing under Bob Arum until 2016 and he is currently set to fight American boxer, Chris Algieri, on November 23, 2014, in Macau. Pacquiao is 35 years old and is a member of the Congress at the House of Representatives in the Philippines. He represents the province of Sarangani.

According to the International Business Times, in 2016, by the time Pacquiao reaches 38 years old, he would've fought in almost 70 professional fights.

When he suffered a big loss against Juan Manual Marquez on December 8, 2012, his long-time coach, Freddie Roach, reportedly said before his rematch against Timothy Bradley, that it was important that Pacquiao won the bout. Otherwise, it may have compelled him to advise the Filipino to finally hang up his gloves. Pacquiao, however, regained his fighting form and won two fights against Brandon Rios and the rematch against Bradley in April 2014.

Under his new contract with Top Rank, Pacquiao is set to appear in five fights, the first being against Algieri. Pacquiao fought twice a year from 2009 to 2012. He only fought once in 2013 after his devastating loss against Marquez. He took a long break, as advised by Freddie Roach, and came back in good form to win his last two bouts.

Fans are hoping that a mega-fight between him and Floyd Mayweather would be arranged before both fighters are past their peak. Pacquiao himself said that he wanted to face Mayweather before his retirement. Promoters are trying to talk to both camps to make a match happen in 2015. Mayweather, however, remains steadfast that he will not fight anyone involved with Bob Arum.

In the meantime, Pacquiao is busy with other things outside of boxing, such as appearing in TV shows and commercials, being an active member of his church and recently joining the draft of the Philippine Basketball Association. He is bound to be a playing coach of the new professional basketball team, Kia Motors.