Boxing-Pacquiao quits 'greatest sport in the world' to contest Philippines presidency

FILE PHOTO: Jul 20, 2019; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Manny Pacquiao (white trunks) celebrates after defeating Keith Thurman (not pictured) in their WBA welterweight championship bout at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Pacquiao won via split decision. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo

MANILA (Reuters) -World boxing icon Manny Pacquiao announced his retirement from what he called the "greatest sport in the world" on Wednesday to focus on a run for the Philippines presidency, the biggest fight of his career.

In a 14-minute video posted on Facebook and Twitter, "Pacman", as he is known in the sport, thanked fans worldwide before closing the curtain on a 26-year boxing career that earned him world titles in eight different divisions, which to this day remains unmatched.