James Harrison goes to church and that hasn’t stop him.
The first time I saw Manny Pacquiao fight was the first Juan Manuel Marquez fight back in 2004. Since 2009, I have had the pleasure to cover every one of Manny’s fight starting with him almost killing Ricky Hatton.
I have seen subtle changes in Manny, I think his desire to fight is become less and less. He has bigger aspirations. As a fighter if you don’t have that hunger, it can be dangerous in the ring.
Here is what Manny had to say about retiring.
“It’s not right that I share God’s word and at the same time hurt other people,” he told reporters over the weekend according to a translation by MindaNews.com. “I’ve gained more than enough blessings these past years so I think it’s time for me to return the favor.”
Manny has a lot of miles on his small frame. He has been fighting since he was 16 and unlike Floyd Mayweather he has been in some wars. Top Rank has been milking him for all he is worth and while they haven’t pair him with the best competition as of late, they have put him in with some bigger guys and it has taken a toll on Manny.
He fights Timothy Bradley on June 9th. The good news is Bradley doesn’t have a lot of power, but he can punch and is in his prime.
Makes you wonder could he be the guy to slow down and stop the Pacquiao train.