The 42-year-old, who has boxed professionally for 26 years, fell to Yordenis Ugas via unanimous decision in Las Vegas.

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It was Pacquiao’s first fight in two years, the longest lay-off of his career, and is widely believed to be his last.

“Words cannot express how proud I am of the Man you are,” Jinkee Pacquiao wrote on Instagram with a photo of the couple embracing. “We your family have seen how much you have toiled, (sacrificed) and given of yourself blood sweat and tears since the beginning when you dreamed of becoming world champion.

“You never think of yourself and not afraid to risk your life on the ring time and time again because you love to make the people happy.

“Over the years we have become even more proud to be by your side as you inspire us to be kind giving and helpful to all.

“Win or lose in the ring You are Forever the Champion of our hearts.”

Pacquiao went into the fight as a heavy favourite after Ugas accepted the challenge on just 11 days’ notice when Erroll Spence pulled out of the main event with an eye injury.

But things didn’t go to plan as the Filipino suffered just the eighth defeat of his professional career and his first since a loss to Jeff Horn in 2017.

“In my heart, I want to continue (to) fight,” said Pacquiao, who is expected to announce his plans next month. “But I have to consider, also, my body.

“In this sport, this is my passion, this is why I’m still here fighting at the age of 42. I’m enjoying it, but sometimes you have to think about the life span of your body.

“I don’t know (what I will do). Let me rest first and relax and make a decision if I continue to fight.”

Pacquiao boasts a 62-8-2 career record with 39 KOs.

He and wife Jinkee got married in 1999 and have five children together.

This article first appeared on the New York Post and was reproduced with permission