Manny Pacquiao Quits Boxing For Family And Politics: Should We Take His Retirement Seriously?

The 37-year-old Manny Pacquiao has spent the past 21 years of his life as a boxer. After his sensational win against American contender Timothy Bradley last Saturday night, the Filipino boxing icon announced his retirement.

"Right now, my decision is to retire," Pacquiao stated via ESPN. The question is: How seriously should we take Manny Pacquiao's retirement?

VIDEO: @danrafaelespn believes @mannypacquiao looked too good on Saturday not to continue https://t.co/WXem7DjhjM pic.twitter.com/lyZ1dBfQvm

— ESPN Boxing (@ESPNBoxing) April 10, 2016

Pacquiao himself appears to not take his retirement plan 100 percent seriously. "Right now, my heart is 50/50,'' Pacquiao noted after his third fight against Timothy Bradley.

Many boxing experts do not believe that Pacquiao will stay retired from boxing since the boxer looked really fast and sharp against Timothy Bradley, who he knocked down twice in their fight at the MGM Grand Arena. Even Bradley himself and his coach Teddy Atlas thought that Pacquiao should not retire yet.

.@FreddieRoach would like @mannypacquiao to fight on following his win over @Timbradleyjr https://t.co/NNjSQbk2nd pic.twitter.com/QHZuVnkZJV — Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) April 10, 2016

Pacquiao's long-time trainer Freddie Roach also believes that his student still has a lot left in his tank to continue fighting. Roach has talked about a rematch with Floyd Mayweather many times before. Pacquiao himself also stated after his recent win that he still enjoys training and fighting.

So why did Pacquiao announce retirement if he still enjoys boxing and is still capable of defeating the best fighters in the world like Timothy Bradley? Many fans and analysts believe that Pacquiao is announcing retirement to show the voting public in the Philippines that he is taking politics seriously. Pacquiao is running for a senate position in the Philippines for the national election in May, Telegraph reports.

Do you believe that Pacquiao is retiring for good or will he make a comeback after the elections? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.