MANILA, Philippines—Sarangani Representative and world boxing champ Manny Pacquiao revealed plans to retire from boxing in 2016.

Pacquiao, who has won an unprecedented eight boxing world titles in different divisions, said he might instead join the senatorial race under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

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“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 said in an interview on DZMM.

During previous interviews, Pacquiao said that he would have about five more fights before he retires. In his career, he has fought 63 fights –56 wins, five losses and two draws.

On November 22, Pacquiao will return to China for his next fight, taking on Chris Algieri in the gambling enclave of Macau.

The fight for a piece of the welterweight title held by Pacquiao comes a year after the boxing icon headlined the first big fight card there with a win over Brandon Rios.

Pacquiao suffered two consecutive defeats in 2012 to American Timothy Bradley and Mexican Juan Miguel Marquez.

He redeemed himself somewhat in winning a Bradley rematch last April, following a convincing victory against Rios.

His fighting skills and national fame have seen him earn fabulous wealth but he has since branched out into other pursuits, including as a Christian preacher, product endorser, television host, and elected member of the House of Representatives.

He caused shockwaves and much disbelief with his adoring Filipino fans by declaring his intention to become a playing coach for an expansion team in the Philippine Basketball Association.

Pacquio also expressed hopes to face another unbeaten American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. before he retires.

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There have been repeated efforts to negotiate such a fight but they have never prospered even as Mayweather, 37, declared that he will never face Pacquiao as long as he is promoted by Bob Arum.

Mayweather is known to be on bad terms with Arum, his former promoter, whom he accused of shortchanging him. With Agence France-Presse

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