On boxing mega fight with Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquaio said he is still a winner: “This is the first time that he [Mayweather] is thanking God before and after the fight.”

by Leony R. Garcia

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao returned home to the Philippines on Wednesday amid a hero’s welcome among his kababayans.

Nursing his right shoulder after surgery and weighing up whether to retire or push for a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr., he said his immediate priorities were recuperating from surgery and his duties as congressman and family man.

“I know what you are thinking, that hopefully there would be a rematch. I like that. I want that,” he told the hotel crowd. “But for the moment, I am thinking of focusing on this shoulder, on my work and my family,” he said before government officials, supporters and fans who welcomed him.

Pacquiao and his family arrived early Wednesday and rested briefly in his residence at Forbes Park. He later joined well-wishers and supporters for breakfast at a nearby hotel before a motorcade around the Philippine capital.

Thousands lined the streets as his motorcade passed, waving, applauding and taking pictures of the 36-year-old champion, who despite his loss, is still considered by many as the real winner and champion.

As boxing fans all over the world know, Manny suffered the shoulder injury during training for the May 2 fight, which Mayweather won on a unanimous decision.

Pacquiao said when he recovers he’ll make an “announcement for continuing my career or announcement for retirement.”

The boxer is in on his second term as congressman of southern Sarangani province. He did not indicate his plans in next year’s elections. But many believe, he would be running for higher position, as provincial governor or senator.

Pacquiao lost the much awaited bout dubbed “Fight of the Millenium” and is facing several legal suits in the United States seeking damages over the nondisclosure of his shoulder injury before the bout.

In an interview with Philippine media, Pacquiao said he reviewed a video of the fight several times and believed he won, though narrowly, against Mayweather.

“I reviewed it repeatedly. I scored myself. I was ahead two points,” he said.

He said, however, he respected the judges’ decision.

Despite the loss, Manny said he was still a winner because “this is the first time that he [Mayweather] is thanking God before and after the fight.”

“Enjoy your victory, you deserve it,” is his final message for Mayweather.

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