Manny Pacquiao reiterates plan to retire after Timothy Bradley fight

Manny Pacquiao has insisted his fight against Timothy Bradley on 9 April will be the last of his career. The Filipino revealed he will walk away from boxing once he has fought his American opponent for the third and final time.

Pacquiao, 37, serves as a congressman in his home country and is hoping to secure a seat in the senate at the upcoming elections. The southpaw admitted his long-term ambitions now lie away from boxing.

"I will feel sad hanging up my gloves. But you can't go on forever in the ring," he said, according to the Daily Mail. "I started boxing all those years ago to help my family, my mother. I want to end my boxing career now because my desire in my heart is to help my people, my country.

"The greatest achievements in life are not what we do ourselves, but for other people. Life is short. It's important we love each other and show unity. It's a great opportunity to have this last fight."

Although Pacquiao has insisted the Bradley fight will mark the end of his career, the Filipino's long-time promoter Bob Arum is less certain. He thinks Pacquaio could still be tempted to return to the sport, possibly for a big-money rematch against Floyd Mayweather.

"I will not promote it as Manny's last fight," Arum insisted. "He says he's going to retire, and maybe he will. The truth is that you never know with any boxer, but I haven't known Manny to say things he doesn't mean. But we all realise this could be the last time he fights."