Manny Pacquiao: Will He Really Retire In Three Years?

Is the end nearing for Manny Pacquiao?

On the surface, it would seem to be the case. Boxing's pound-for-pound best fighter has established a legacy that no one can question. He's taken on many of the sport's best fighters, and there are still possible matchups looming with people such as Shane Mosley, Andre Berto and hopefully Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Pacquiao told the Associated Press he plans to retire in three years, and can't picture fighting after age 35.

Plenty of boxers talk about retiring, but everyone knows they seldom follow through and stay away.

Will Pacquiao be any different? Here are five reasons why he will retire, and five why he won't:

Reason No. 5 He Won't: The Addiction Of It

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ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 13: Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines celebrates in the ring after defeating Joshua Clottey of Ghana during the WBO welterweight title fight at Cowboys Stadium on March 13, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. Pacquiao defeated Clottey by unan

How could you walk away from a life where you're banking mega-million dollar purses, fight in front of sold-out arenas at Las Vegas casinos and always in the spotlight? That's magnified even more back home in the Philippines, where Pacquiao is a cultural icon and so beloved that much of the country shuts down on the night of his fights.

Reason No. 5 He Will: The Body Will Wear Down

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ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 13: (L-R) Joshua Clottey of Ghana and Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines exchange blows in the first round during the WBO welterweight title fight at Cowboys Stadium on March 13, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Get

Pacquiao is 31, and has been fighting as a professional since he was a teenager. In boxing, his age alone puts him among the older spectrum of fighters, and when you've been in wars against fighters like Juan Manuel Marquez and Erik Morales, it will take a toll on the body.

It's just a fact, and Pacquiao can't endure much more.

Reason No. 4 He Won't: They Keep Going

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18 Sep 1998: Oscar De La Hoya lands a left hand to the head of Julio Cesar Chavez during their bout at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. De La Hoya defeated Chavez by way of a TKO in the 8th round. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allspor

Whether they just keep fighting or stage comebacks, some fighters have shown they can still be successful at older ages.

Julio Cesar Chavez had only had one prior loss in his career before Oscar De La Hoya defeated the Mexican legend in 1996 and 1998.

Perhaps the best example of this came from George Foreman, who returned to upset Michael Moorer and also fought Evander Holyfield in what's still considered a great heavyweight fight.

Reason No. 4 He Will: Before It's Too Late

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MEMPHIS, TN - MAY 19: Lennox Lewis, commentator for HBO, poses during the WBC Eliminator Middleweight fight at FedExForum on May 19, 2007 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images

Great champions like Lennox Lewis and Oscar De La Hoya are among those who have been smart and retired still in good health and with all their faculties. There are countless examples of others throughout boxing history who stayed too long, and who now suffer from brain damage, slurred speech and other ailments.

Reason No. 3 He Won't: Top Condition

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ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 13: Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines looks on in the ring against Joshua Clottey of Ghana during the WBO welterweight title fight at Cowboys Stadium on March 13, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. Pacquiao defeated Clottey by unanimous deci

It would be one thing if he let his body fall apart, but Pacquiao is still one of the most well-conditioned fighters in boxing. He hasn't lost any speed and continues to dominate opponents, which shows there's still plenty left in the tank and more fights to be made.

Reason No. 3 He Will: A New Chapter Awaits

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MANILA, PHILIPPINES - NOVEMBER 20: Boxer and congressman, Manny Pacquiao gives President Benigno Aquino III a shirt and memorabilia following his win of the WBC super welterweight crown against Mexican Antonio Margarito on November 20, 2010 in Manila, Ph

Athletes always have other opportunities to pursue away from their sports.

Greg Norman's had his clothing company, wine and golf course design.

Michael Jordan went into ownership.

Charles Barkley's become an extremely popular TV analyst.

For Pacquiao, a career in politics has already begun and will continue to take up plenty of time. In May, Pacquiao won in a landslide and is now a congressman in the Philippines. 

Reason No. 2 He Won't: Still Embraced

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ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 13: Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines in the ring before taking on Joshua Clottey of Ghana during the WBO welterweight title fight at Cowboys Stadium on March 13, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

It would be difficult for any fighter to walk away from Pacquiao's situation.

He has throngs of Filipino fans that flock to his fights, he's even beloved by Hispanic fight fans who have watched him defeat many of their talented fighters and HBO continues to carry his fights on pay-per-view.

He's also mild-mannered and soft-spoken, a stark contrast to many fighters who can be brash and abrasive. His aggressive, hard-hitting style also is enjoyable to watch, even when he dominates opponents.

Reason No. 2 He Will: Prove What?

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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 13: Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines makes his way to the ring for his fight against Antonio Margarito (black trunks) of Mexico during their WBC World Super Welterweight Title bout at Cowboys Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Arli

Fact is Pacquiao could walk away right now if he wanted, and he would be considered one of the greatest fighters of this generation.

He's already proven plenty, and has little left to accomplish.

Reason No. 1 He Won't: Always More To Do

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ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 13: Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines looks on in the ring with trainer Freddie Roach while taking on Joshua Clottey of Ghana during the WBO welterweight title fight at Cowboys Stadium on March 13, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. Pacquiao

Even if you clean up and defeat all the greats, fighters can keep finding other challenges and ways to push themselves to further greatness. Pacquiao has kept moving up in weight, and winning titles, but would he stay at one weight and see how long he could last?

There's still plenty of options and plenty of ways to add to his legacy. If you're still hungry and still got a passion for the sport - which seems to be the case for Manny - then why stop?

Reason No. 1 He Will: One Last Challenge

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LAS VEGAS - MAY 01: (R-L) Floyd Mayweather Jr. in action against Shane Mosley during their welterweight fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 1, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather Jr. defeated Mosley by unanimous decison. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn

And it has a name: Floyd Mayweather Jr.

If the sport's top two fighters square off, and Pacquiao comes out victorious, then he could easily call it a career and leave on top.

Conclusion

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ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 12: (C) Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines smiles as he leaves the stage after his weigh-in for his WBO welterweight title fight against Joshua Clottey of Ghana outside Cowboys Stadium on March 12, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. Pacquiao

There isn't a lot to decipher here.

Pacquiao has no reason to stay in the sport beyond age 35, and could leave even sooner, depending on whether or not he gets to face Mayweather. 

He's got his health, the support of family and fans and a legacy that no one can question.