Pacquiao vows to put on a show against Bradley

Manny Pacquiao has promised to put on a show when he brings the curtain down on his illustrious career against Timothy Bradley on April 9.

The Filipino fighter has not been in the ring since losing on points to Floyd Mayweather in the richest bout in boxing history last May.

Pacquiao is now set to end his career against Bradley in Las Vegas, with the duo holding one win each from their previous two bouts.

The 37-year-old will bow out a champion if he beats the WBO world welterweight champion, and Pacquiao – who is the only man to have won titles in eight different divisions – says he chose Bradley because the American has stepped up a level.

“I’m so happy to be hanging up my gloves after this fight because of what I have done. I’m sure I will feel sad but that’s life,” Pacquiao said.

“I’m so thankful for this great opportunity before I’m going to retire. You’re giving me another chance to prove in boxing that I can still fight until the end.

“This is a great opportunity, a privilege to fight Bradley again and I chose Bradley because I believe Bradley is different from before the last fight.

“He’s improved a lot and we know that. We saw that in his last fight with [Brandon] Rios.”

Pacquiao says the timing is right to step away so he can focus on his political career.

He added: “I remember when I started boxing, I started boxing because I want to help my family, my mother and now I will end my boxing career because I want to help my countrymen, the Filipino people.

“I never thought I could accomplish all this and now I end my boxing career because of my desire to help the Filipino people. I want to serve the people.”