( CNN ) -- 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 . Pacquiao 's personal Web site has carried media reports detailing how his mother Dionesia has implored him not to fight anymore , prompted by the ear injury he picked up in his battle against Miguel Cotto last year . `` She kneels down and cries every time [ she asks me to quit ] . That 's a heavy burden when it 's my mother doing that , '' he told reporters after meeting Filipino President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malacanang on Monday morning . `` I have been boxing since I was 12 years old . Now I 'm 31 , so I 'm seriously thinking about it . I will discuss it with my family . `` I have been in boxing for a long time and I have given so many honors to my country . Even without the elections and the politics , my retirement will largely depend on my family 's decision . '' Villa , a millionaire property developer , met Pacquiao at the airport and the boxer was quick to sing his praises . `` What we need now is a man who rose from poverty , who understands the call of the poor like myself , '' Pacquiao said . Pacquiao has now won 12 straight fights and titles at seven different weights to establish himself , according to the rankings by respected boxing magazine Ring , as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world . A money-spinning fight against the undefeated Mayweather fell through earlier this year when the American insisted on Olympic-style drug testing , leading to a war of words and a stalemate in negotiations . Pacquiao opted to fight Ghana 's Clottey , whom he beat in 12 rounds , while Mayweather will take on fellow American Shane Mosley on May 1 . Any likely meeting between the two would probably be the richest in box office history and be staged at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas , although Pacquiao filled the home stadium of the Dallas Cowboys NFL team -- where the Mayweather fight was initially scheduled to be held -- for his bout with Clottey .
Manny Pacquiao announces that he may retire from boxing due to his mother 's concerns . Filipino fighting legend says he does not need to fight against Floyd Mayweather . The 31-year-old says he has already fulfilled all the boxing dreams he ever had . Comment: