Canelo Alvarez reacted to the news of Manny Pacquiao's retirement this week as the Filipino former eight-weight world champion focuses now on a Presidential run in his home country.
Though Alvarez and Pacquiao never crossed paths in the ring, both are regarded as two of the finest and most exciting stars boxing has produced in the last 25 years.
Canelo was quick to pay tribute to the achievements of 'Pac-Man' but admitted he is also glad to see the 42-year-old step away after a disappointing performance in his last bout, a loss to Yordenis Ugas in August.
"It's sad, but it was about time," Canelo said to Little Giant Boxing (transcribed by Boxing Scene).
"He did a lot of things for boxing. He is a great fighter, a legend."
Pacquiao had hinted at the Ugas loss being his last fight, but his representatives attempted to clarify his interviews until the boxer released a statement confirming the end of his in-ring career.
"As I hang up my boxing gloves, I would like to thank the whole world, especially the Filipino people for supporting Manny Pacquiao. Goodbye boxing," Pacquiao declared in a video. "It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over. Today I am announcing my retirement.
"Thank you for changing my life. When my family was desperate, you gave us hope. You gave me the chance to fight my way out of poverty. Because of you, I was able to inspire people all over the world. Because of you, I have been given the courage to change more lives. I will never forget what I have done and accomplished in my life that I can’t imagine. I just heard the final bell. I never thought this day would come as I hang up my boxing gloves.”