Manny Pacquiao: Could He Retire After Beating Juan Manuel Marquez?

The fight last night was everything that boxing needed.  No matter who fans believe won the fight made fans remember what they love about the sport.

At the end of the night, Pacquiao was proven mortal, Juan Manuel Marquez proved he just had the Filipino fighter's number and the boxing public got a night of great fights.

With that said, most fans probably want to see a fourth fight now more than they do a fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

It's understandable, as the fight was one of the best of the year while one with Mayweather certainly wouldn't be.  Last night's fight was also one of the most controversial fights of the year.  There is no doubt that fans will be long divided because of it.

Though fans want to see it again, it did effectively end the trilogy and Pacquiao could technically move on.  It would be entertaining to see them go at it again, but it's possible that no matter how many times they meet it will always end up in a close decision for either man.

On a personal note, this writer hopes that Pacquiao doesn't retire.  In fact, I published an article today with seven reasons that he shouldn't.

In the end though, it is up to him.

Most fans want to see Pacquiao fight Mayweather.  If he feels he can and his trainer agrees, then the fight should get made.

But for the first time, Pacquiao seemed to be distracted leading up to the fight and it almost cost him.  He has a congressional career to think about.

He has a family to think about.  

If Marquez just happened to have Pacquiao's number and the Pac-Man didn't slow down, then hopefully he will come back and entertain boxing's hardcore again within the next year either in a fight with Marquez or Mayweather.

If he not, he should retire.  It is something no fan wants to think about, especially after the thrilling match he had last night, but it would be better to remember Pacquiao as he is and was, than as a part-time fighter who lost his edge.

It all comes down to what Pacquiao was thinking leading up to his night in the ring and if he brought the fire that he has so often in the past.

If he didn't, then no matter what we fans want, he should hang up the gloves.