Pacquiao may quit boxing to please his worried mother

Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has dropped a shock hint that he might quit the ring - because his mother does not want him to fight anymore.

Pacquiao is widely expected to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a much-hyped showdown later this year, but the 31-year-old claims his place in boxing history is already assured following the successful defense of his WBO welterweight crown against Joshua Clottey last week.

"I reached my dream as a boxer without Floyd Mayweather in my career. I do not need him, they are the ones who need me," he told reporters as he returned home to his customary hero's welcome in the Philippines on Monday.

The fighter, known as "Pacman" by his fans, is now concentrating on his political career. He is standing for election in the Sarangani province on May 10, on the platform of opposition senator Manuel Villar's Nacionalista Party.