Manila: Philippine boxing hero Manny Pacquiao said yesterday that he had been told by God in a dream to retire soon, potentially raising doubt over hopes of a fight with American Floyd Mayweather.
Pacquiao, regarded as the world's best pound-for-pound fighter, told radio station DZMM in an interview also broadcast over the channel's Teleradyo TV show, that he had decided to give up all his vices after the dream.
"I will not stay long in boxing because he said: ‘You have done enough. You have made yourself famous but this is harmful'," said a serious-looking Pacquiao, who has won eight titles in as many weight divisions.
Fervour
Pacquiao, 33, said he had the dream earlier this year but declined to reveal how many more fights he would contest before stepping down. But when asked if his new-found religious fervour would hurt his boxing, Pacquiao replied: "I will do my work inside the ring."
Formerly a heavy gambler who was fond of late-night parties, Pacquiao announced in January that he had become a changed man after his religious vision.
