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Manny Pacquiao, a boxer who holds four world championships in different decades, is the only one.
Manny Pacquiao, a boxing legend, has announced his retirement to concentrate on his political career.
Multi-division world champion and senator from the Philippines has already declared his intention to run as president in 2022.
The fight that ended the 42-year-old's career was against Yordenis Ugas from Cuba in Las Vegas last month.
"I just heard that final bell. Pacquiao said that boxing was over.
Pacquiao posted a video on social media external link describing his decision to retire as the hardest. He added that boxing had given Pacquiao "the chance to fight for my freedom from poverty" and "the courage of changing more lives".
He thanked his friends, fans and all who supported him during his career, especially Freddie Roach, a long-time trainer, whom he called "my family", "a brother" and "a friend".
He said, "I will never forget the things I have done and achieved in my life."
Growing up in poverty in the Philippines, Pacquiao emigrated to Manila to begin a career in boxing that would make him one the most well-paid athletes in the world.
At 19 years old, he defeated Chatchai Sasakul from Thailand to win his first major title.
He was fighting in Las Vegas within three years, defeating Lehlohonolo Ledwaba from South Africa for the IBF super-bantamweight title at The MGM Grand. This venue hosted most of his fights over the next two decades.
He is widely regarded as one the greatest professional boxers ever, having won 12 titles in eight weight divisions. He is also the only boxer to have held four world championships.
Pacquiao, at 40 years old, became the oldest welterweight champion in history when he defeated Keith Thurman in July 2019. However, he lost the WBA Super welterweight title to Pacquiao in January 2021 due to inactivity.
After his August defeat to Ugas, Pacquiao stated that he was "60-40" for quitting.
He retired with a record of 62 victories, eight losses and two draws.
Pacquiao was elected to the Philippines upper chamber for six years in 2016 after he had won a seat at the lower house of Congress in 2010.
After being nominated by PDP-Laban, a faction within the ruling party, he confirmed his intention to run as president earlier this month.
