Manny Pacquiao 'to retire next year' for Philippines president run, says Bob Arum

Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum was out at Craig's, a popular restaurant in West Hollywood, on Tuesday night when he told TMZ that Manny is planning to fight again next year once he heals up - but that's probably the very last bout for the 36-year-old:

Manny has been involved in politics for years in the Philippines -- and has been elected to Congress twice before.

Pacquiao will turn 37 in December. His career record stands at 57-6-2, with 38 victories coming by way of knockout. He'll go down as one of the best boxers ever, and a hero in his home country, regardless of how his final bout turns out by virtue of some of his memorable wars over the years and becoming the first (and so far only) world champion in eight different weight classes.

His last bout came on May 2 of this year against Floyd Mayweather, which he lost by unanimous decision in a technically-sound but nonetheless disappointing bout which nonetheless broke countless boxing box office records.

He claimed after the defeat that he was hampered by a shoulder injury which he had kept to himself in the build-up to fight night.

Liam Happe, Eurosport.com chief fight sports writer: Pacquiao had been clamouring for a fight with Floyd Mayweather for five years. When that opportunity came and his performance fell flat - injury or not - there seemed to be very little left for him to aim for, thus making the possibility of him fighting once more and then retiring very believable.

His bouts prior to Mayweather in recent years included a fourth showdown with Juan Manuel Marquez and attempts to get a boxing market in Macau, China up and running - showing that he had few options at the highest level other than Floyd, anyway.

Pacquiao has had a brilliant career and it's great that, if Arum is spot-on, he will step between the ropes one more time for an official farewell bout. It looks like he's picking the right time to do as heavyweight star Vitali Klitschko did and enter the realm of politics full-time.

The prevailing belief is that the harsh words between Mayweather and Pacquiao since their fight will lead to a rematch once Manny's shoulder is fully healed, despite how much of a disappointment the first one was. Because it would be marketed as a joint farewell for both if it happened (Mayweather says his fight this month vs Andre Berto is his last, but will likely sign a deal for one more after it's over to beat Rocky Marciano's record and go 50-0), it would draw a huge number even if the contest is no different to the first. Hopefully, Pacquiao's claims that the shoulder was the issue are true and at 100% he at least would offer Floyd a challenge.

[COLUMN: Why Floyd Mayweather v Andre Berto will NOT be Floyd's last fight]

Amir Khan has also been working towards fighting Pacquiao, with Mayweather continuing to steer clear of the Brit. Khan is not quite on the same level as Manny or Floyd as far as career accomplishments go, but he is a big name who has established himself in the Vegas market, and knows how to sell both himself and a top-line fight.

Or, because it would be Pacquiao's last hurrah and would thus sell tickets regardless of opponent, he could have a third and deciding bout with Timothy Bradley or a FIFTH contest with famous foe Juan Manuel Marquez. Neither would be earth-shattering showdowns but would at least come with a pre-existing sub-plot - especially in the case of the latter, who is arguably Pacquiao's most famous opponent. Marquez is semi-retired now but would be more than motivated for such a big showdown with his long-standing nemesis.