Manny Pacquiao’s wife penned an emotional message to the legendary boxer after he lost what might have been the final fight of his career.
“Words cannot express how proud I am of the Man you are,” Jinkee Pacquiao wrote on Instagram with a photo of the couple embracing.
“We your family have seen how much you have toiled , (sacrificed) and given of yourself blood sweat and tears since the beginning when you dreamed of becoming world champion. You never think of yourself and not afraid to risk your life on the ring time and time again because you love to make the people happy.
“Over the years we have become even more proud to be by your side as you inspire us to be kind giving and helpful to all.”
The 42-year-old Pacquiao, who has boxed professionally for 26 years, fell to Yordenis Ugás in an uniramous decision in Las Vegas.
It was Pacquiao’s first fight in two years, the longest layoff of his career, and is widely believed to be his last.
“In my heart, I want to continue [to] fight,” said Pacquiao, who is expected to announce his plans next month.
“But I have to consider, also, my body…In this sport, this is my passion, this is why I’m still here fighting at the age of 42. I’m enjoying it, but sometimes you have to think about the life span of your body.”
Pacquiao is 62-8-2 with 39 KOs all-time.
“Win or lose on the ring You are Forever the Champion of our hearts,” wrote Jinkee Pacquiao, who married Pacquiao in 1999.
The couple has five children together.
Story first published on Fox Sports