As rumors continue to swirl that Manny Pacquiao is on the prowl for a comeback, the most important member of the eight-division champion's entourage would like to see him stay retired.
Jinkee Pacquiao, wife of the future Hall of Fame entrant, told Daily Tribune during the traditional Salubong of her husband's 44th birthday yesterday of her fervent wish.
"I'm okay with him doing exhibitions," said Jinkee, who was at ringside last week when Pacquiao overwhelmed mixed martial arts expert DK Yoo in a special fight at the KINTEX in Goyang, Korea.
That ring appearance is being seen as a prelude to a comeback in 2023, something Jinkee doesn't relish taking place.
"I just don't want him to make a comeback and fight for 12 rounds again," she added after presenting Pacquiao a cake as a select number of friends gathered in their palatial residence in General Santos City.
Last time Pacquiao fought in a sanctioned bout, he was upset by Cuban Yordenis Ugas in August last year at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Those close to him feel that Pacquiao wasn't there mentally as he was preoccupied with his political plans.
Signs that Pacquiao is seriously considering a return to the ring surfaced during the buildup to the Yoo encounter.
Instead of just relying on local trainers, Pacquiao recalled his training team and brought them all to General Santos City for almost two months.
And instead of doing light workouts, Pacquiao opted to go the whole nine yards by running in the morning and showing up for gym work in the afternoon.
So, is Pacquiao coming back?
Stay tuned.