Manny Pacquiao: Pac-Man's Legacy Would Be Damaged If He Retired After Fight

As the great Manny Pacquiao gets set to fight Timothy Bradley on June 9 in Las Vegas, he's said he may retire after the bout to pursue a "Bible-centered" life.

Retiring after the Bradley fight, of course, would mean Pacquiao would never fight Floyd Mayweather Jr.

That figures to hurt Pacquiao down the line.

Pacquiao told reporters in Sarangani before Valentine's Day, via the Minda News:

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“Hindi maganda na nagse-share ako ng salita ng Panginoon tapos nananakit ako ng kapwa (It’s not right that I share God’s word and at the same time hurt other people).

“I’ve gained more than enough blessings these past years so I think it’s time for me to return the favor."

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Regardless of his reasons, ducking out of a fight with Mayweather would indeed be damaging to Pacquiao's legacy. The boxing world has been waiting for a superfight between the two giants for years, as both camps have gone back and forth. During this time, both camps have been blamed one way or another.

There appeared to be a window for them to finally fight in May before Mayweather serves an 87-day jail sentence for misdemeanor battery. But that window closed as soon as it opened, and boxing fans were left with yet more disappointment.

By not fighting Mayweather, Pacquiao gives Mayweather and his supporters ammunition and leaves himself on the wrong end of the public relations battle.

Mayweather has already been calling Pacquiao out. And he's done so by using a wide array of social media, including YouTube and Twitter. Just imagine what Mayweather will be saying if Pacquiao retires before fighting him.

In fact, Floyd Mayweather Sr. is already talking.

Mayweather Sr. said early last week, via Examiner.com:

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“It ain’t have nothing to do with his heart…Don’t blame Pacquiao if he doesn’t take it [the fight against Floyd Jr.]…If he doesn’t really want the cover pulled off of him, leave that fight alone.”

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Whether it's fair or not, Pacquiao would most certainly receive some flack if he never fights Mayweather. In the battle for who's the true No. 1 in the world, Pacquiao could be called No. 2 by doing nothing.

I know I speak for a lot of boxing fans when I say I'd hate for there never to be a fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather.

Perhaps Pacquiao needs to rethink his stance. Otherwise, the boxing world will take a stand on its own, and it could get ugly.