Pacquiao to Retire from Boxing in 2018, to Join International Chess Tournaments

Senator Manny Pacquiao is set to retire from boxing next year, 2018. However, it does not mean he will be not be in sports anymore. Aside from being one of the greatest boxers in history, Pacquiao started to play chess since he became a professional boxer. At first, he only took it as a hobby. But over the years, he was able to master this sport for the brain.



“Dati libangan ko lang ang chess, pero ilang taon ko na rin na siyang sineseryoso. Malaki naitutulong sa akin nito, lalo na pag-analyze ng mga sitwasyon na kailangan ko mag-isip ng malalim. Ang maganda pa dito, walang age limit. Di gaya sa boxing, kahit kaya pa ng isip mo, minsan din na kaya ng katawan mo.” Sen. Pacquiao told reporters on Friday.

“Ang totoo, iniisip ko mabuti kung lalaban pa ako sa 2018. Pero kung sakali, last na yun. Kasi masayang masaya ako pag nakakapag-uwi ako ng karangalan para sa bayan natin. Kaya lang, aminado naman ako na di naman ako bumabata. Sa chess kasi, isip lang ang kelangan, hindi pa masakit sa katawan.” The 38-year old Pinoy boxing icon added.

When asked if he plans to join chess tournaments, local and abroad, Sen. Pacquiao smiled and nodded. “Nagpa-register na ako at sa awa ng Panginoon, pumasa naman tayo sa pre-qualifying round.” Although he did not mention further details, one of his aides who requested anonymity said that Pacquiao has already hired professional chess coaches.

In addition, Pacquiao has been busy reading chess books and watching chess games online. The 8-division boxing champion has played against young local chess champions in friendly matches, and has beaten some of them. Early next year, he also plans to meet Eugene Torre, the Philippines’ strongest chess player and the first Asian grandmaster.



But more importantly, Pacquiao promised not to neglect his duty as an elected senator. “Kung dati nga na mas mahirap ang training sa boxing kesa sa chess, nahahati ko ang oras ko, mas lalo na ngayon. Nasa time management lang yan. Kita nyo naman ang performance natin sa mga Senate hearings, kayo na ang humusga.” He said further.

Contributed by Renato Pasayao