Plan B for Pacquiao if the Pacquiao-Mayweather negotiation fails.
Read story below:
Manny may fight Cotto instead of Mayweather
by Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star)
MANILA, Philippines - There’s always a Plan B just in case Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. fail to get it done in November.
According to Bob Arum, the 31-year-old Filipino superstar may end up facing Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico a second time.
“If the Mayweather deal gets made with Pacquiao, the winner of this fight (Cotto-Foreman) would be a natural for Antonio Margarito. If the Mayweather deal is not made, Pacquiao might fight Miguel Cotto, if Cotto beats Foreman, for the 154-pound title,” he said.
The chief of Top Rank Promotions, who will try his best to get the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight staged on Nov. 13 either in Texas or Las Vegas, told boxingscene.com that things should fall into place for Pacquiao even if it’s not against Mayweather.
Cotto is all set to challenge Yuri Foreman for the WBA super-welterweight crown on June 5 at the Yankee Stadium, and a victory by the wide-bodied former champion, who lost in 12 rounds to Pacquiao last November, is what some people would be hoping for.
“I don’t think Manny would fight Yuri Foreman because he says Yuri is too tall,” said Arum of Foreman, who stands very close to six feet.
In case Cotto beats Foreman, Pacquiao can give him a chance to avenge his brutal defeat last November. It also gives Pacquiao a crack at his eighth world title in eight different weight classes. As it is, he’s the only one with seven crowns under his belt.
Negotiations for a Pacquiao-Mayweather superfight are silently on, and reports are out that it may or may not happen at all because of disagreements in the drug-testing procedure or anything that may have to do with the purse split.
Both Pacquiao and Mayweather stand to receive around $40 million each if they agree to stage the fight, the biggest in their respective careers, and one that should finally decide who the world’s greatest pound-for-pound champion is.
The odds are out even if the fight is not yet sealed, and Mayweather stands as a -150 favorite, meaning you need $150 to win a hundred bucks, against Pacquiao who’s at +120, meaning your $100 wins $120.
The odds, however, will only stand if the fight takes place in 2010.
But while oddsmakers are putting their money on the undefeated American, a legendary champion, Aaron Pryor, is rooting for Pacquiao.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Manny Pacquiao willing to undergo blood testing prior to his fight with Mayweather Jr
The negotiation for the much-awaited bout between Pacquiao and Mayweather Jr seems to be coming through with the compromise of Pacquiao to have the blood testing done 14 days prior to the fight.
For more of the news, please read below:
Pacquiao relaxes blood test stance on Mayweather bout
Reuters
Reuters - Saturday, May 22
MANILA - Manny Pacquiao would be willing to take a blood test 14 days prior to a bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr, local media reports said, edging the two men regarded as the world's best pound-for-pound boxers closer to a showdown.
Talks between the fighters' camps stalled earlier this year over Pacquiao's refusal to agree to Mayweather's demands for Olympic-style random drug testing, with the Filipino saying he did not want blood drawn from him too close to a fight.
"Fourteen days is okay with me, as long as isn't done on the day of the fight, and only the right amount of blood will be drawn from me," Pacquiao told Filipino media.
Pacquiao's compromise could bring the two camps back to the negotiating table for a fight many feel would have the potential to be the sport's richest ever.
Since talks broke down, Mayweather eased to a decisive points victory over fellow American Shane Mosley earlier this month in a welterweight non-title bout that drew 1.4 million pay-per-view buyers.
That followed Pacquiao's mauling of Ghana's Joshua Clottey in March. The seven-weight champion has since been elected to congress back home and will need to fit his training regime in with parliament sessions after being sworn in on June 30.
However, Pacquiao believes he is perfectly capable of being able to pursue both a boxing and political career.
"I will attend sessions in the morning until afternoon then I go to the gym around 4 or 5 p.m.," Pacquiao told the Manila Bulletin.
"I will stay in the country during training camp then with two weeks before the fight, I will fly to the U.S."
For more of the news, please read below:
Pacquiao relaxes blood test stance on Mayweather bout
Reuters
Reuters - Saturday, May 22
MANILA - Manny Pacquiao would be willing to take a blood test 14 days prior to a bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr, local media reports said, edging the two men regarded as the world's best pound-for-pound boxers closer to a showdown.
Talks between the fighters' camps stalled earlier this year over Pacquiao's refusal to agree to Mayweather's demands for Olympic-style random drug testing, with the Filipino saying he did not want blood drawn from him too close to a fight.
"Fourteen days is okay with me, as long as isn't done on the day of the fight, and only the right amount of blood will be drawn from me," Pacquiao told Filipino media.
Pacquiao's compromise could bring the two camps back to the negotiating table for a fight many feel would have the potential to be the sport's richest ever.
Since talks broke down, Mayweather eased to a decisive points victory over fellow American Shane Mosley earlier this month in a welterweight non-title bout that drew 1.4 million pay-per-view buyers.
That followed Pacquiao's mauling of Ghana's Joshua Clottey in March. The seven-weight champion has since been elected to congress back home and will need to fit his training regime in with parliament sessions after being sworn in on June 30.
However, Pacquiao believes he is perfectly capable of being able to pursue both a boxing and political career.
"I will attend sessions in the morning until afternoon then I go to the gym around 4 or 5 p.m.," Pacquiao told the Manila Bulletin.
"I will stay in the country during training camp then with two weeks before the fight, I will fly to the U.S."
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The much-awaited Pacquiao/Mayweather bout
The much awaited bout between Pacquiao and Mayweather Jr for November 13, 2010 is being worked on.
Read the story below.
Pacquiao wants one more fight and Mayweather fits bill
May 12, 2010 -- Updated 2050 GMT (0450 HKT)
(CNN) -- Filipino boxing star Manny Pacquiao says he wants one final bout as a professional and it looks set to be an eagerly-awaited match-up against Floyd Mayweather Jr. later this year.
National hero Pacquiao will enter the Philippine parliament after winning a seat in this week's elections, but has one more ambition to fulfil in the ring.
"Many fans really want me to fight Floyd Mayweather so I asked my Mama if we can give them one more fight, she said okay," AFP quoted Pacquiao in an interview with broadcaster ABS-CBN.
"We spoke yesterday and she said just one last fight, Mayweather."
"Pacman" is rated by Ring magazine as the greatest pound-for-pound fighter on the planet after winning an unprecedented seven world titles at different weight divisions.
Mayweather is unbeaten in 41 fights and is a huge draw at the box office, earning the nickname "Money" in amassing a fortune on his way to nine world titles in five different weight classes.
Many fans really want me to fight Floyd Mayweather so I asked my Mama if we can give them one more fight, she said okay
--Manny Pacquiao
The two were due to fight earlier this year, but negotiations ended acrimoniously with Pacquiao angered by the insistence of the Mayweather camp for Olympic style pre-fight drugs tests.
It appeared to remain a major sticking point, along with Pacquiao's political ambitions and the influence of his mother Dionisia, who reportedly wants her son to retire from the ring.
But with leading American promoter Bob Arum pulling the strings, visiting the Philippines to watch Pacquiao campaign for the election, the fight all boxing fans want to see could now be on.
The Manila Standard newspaper reported that the Dallas Cowboys Stadium, where Pacquiao had his last fight against Joshua Clottey and the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, where Mayweather was last in action, had both been booked for November 13.
Read the story below.
Pacquiao wants one more fight and Mayweather fits bill
May 12, 2010 -- Updated 2050 GMT (0450 HKT)
(CNN) -- Filipino boxing star Manny Pacquiao says he wants one final bout as a professional and it looks set to be an eagerly-awaited match-up against Floyd Mayweather Jr. later this year.
National hero Pacquiao will enter the Philippine parliament after winning a seat in this week's elections, but has one more ambition to fulfil in the ring.
"Many fans really want me to fight Floyd Mayweather so I asked my Mama if we can give them one more fight, she said okay," AFP quoted Pacquiao in an interview with broadcaster ABS-CBN.
"We spoke yesterday and she said just one last fight, Mayweather."
"Pacman" is rated by Ring magazine as the greatest pound-for-pound fighter on the planet after winning an unprecedented seven world titles at different weight divisions.
Mayweather is unbeaten in 41 fights and is a huge draw at the box office, earning the nickname "Money" in amassing a fortune on his way to nine world titles in five different weight classes.
Many fans really want me to fight Floyd Mayweather so I asked my Mama if we can give them one more fight, she said okay
--Manny Pacquiao
The two were due to fight earlier this year, but negotiations ended acrimoniously with Pacquiao angered by the insistence of the Mayweather camp for Olympic style pre-fight drugs tests.
It appeared to remain a major sticking point, along with Pacquiao's political ambitions and the influence of his mother Dionisia, who reportedly wants her son to retire from the ring.
But with leading American promoter Bob Arum pulling the strings, visiting the Philippines to watch Pacquiao campaign for the election, the fight all boxing fans want to see could now be on.
The Manila Standard newspaper reported that the Dallas Cowboys Stadium, where Pacquiao had his last fight against Joshua Clottey and the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, where Mayweather was last in action, had both been booked for November 13.
Manny Pacquiao, the winning congressman for Saranggani
When the Pinoy boxer Manny Pcquiao was interviewed by broadcaster,Mel Tiangco, he said that with his election as the congressman of Saranggani, he would help the farmers of Sanggani, set up a sports program for their province.
On Mayweather, Jr., he might return to the ring for the last time to face him "para pagbigyan ang kanyang mga fans".
On Mayweather, Jr., he might return to the ring for the last time to face him "para pagbigyan ang kanyang mga fans".
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Manny Pacquiao and Mayweather, Jr bout?
Will Manny Pacquiao face Mayweather, Jr in the latter's next bout?
Mayweather wants Pacquiao after stylish win over Mosley
(CNN) -- Floyd Mayweather Jr. saw off the obdurate challenge of Shane Mosley then renewed his challenge to Filipino star Manny Pacquiao to face him in a lucrative superbout.
Mayweather scored a unanimous points victory over the 38-year-old Mosley in Las Vegas to extend his perfect record to 41 fights, but the talk then turned to a possible fight later this year against Pacquiao.
The pair were due to contest what was predicted to be the richest contest in boxing history, but the match-up never materialized because of a disagreement over dope testing procedures.
Mayweather insisted that he was ready to meet Pacquiao but only on his terms.
"If Manny Pacquiao wants to fight, it's not hard to find me," he told reporters.
"If Manny Pacquiao will take the blood and urine tests, we can make the fight happen for all the fans."
If Manny Pacquiao wants to fight, it's not hard to find me
--Floyd Mayweather Jr.
The 33-year-old Mayweather dominated the welterweight contest against Mosley but was rocked by a heavy punch in the second round before taking control.
Watched by a multitude of celebrities and film stars, Mayweather pressed hard for a knockout win, but could not put away the battling Mosley, who survived to hear the judges' verdict despite a pummeling in the later rounds.
Mayweather paid tribute to the courage of his opponent while pleased with his own performance.
"I gave the fans what they wanted to see. They wanted to see me moving, and coming forward and that's what I did tonight.
"I went toe-to-toe. That's not my style but I wanted to give them that kind of fight and I knew I could do it.
"They wanted to see me moving, and coming forward and that's what I did.
"We should have pressed the attack a lot earlier and we could have got the knockout, but Shane Mosley is a tough customer and he is one hell of a fighter."
He also shrugged off his early difficulties against Mosley, who has 46 wins from a distinguished 52-fight career.
"That's all with the territory of boxing - only the strongest survive," he said.
"This is a contact sport, some time you are going to get hit with big shots, you must suck it up and keep fighting hard like a warrior."
But attention will now turn to a possible November fight against Pacquiao, who is standing as a candidate in elections in his native country later this month after beating Ghana's Joshua Clottey in his latest bout in March.
Mayweather wants Pacquiao after stylish win over Mosley
(CNN) -- Floyd Mayweather Jr. saw off the obdurate challenge of Shane Mosley then renewed his challenge to Filipino star Manny Pacquiao to face him in a lucrative superbout.
Mayweather scored a unanimous points victory over the 38-year-old Mosley in Las Vegas to extend his perfect record to 41 fights, but the talk then turned to a possible fight later this year against Pacquiao.
The pair were due to contest what was predicted to be the richest contest in boxing history, but the match-up never materialized because of a disagreement over dope testing procedures.
Mayweather insisted that he was ready to meet Pacquiao but only on his terms.
"If Manny Pacquiao wants to fight, it's not hard to find me," he told reporters.
"If Manny Pacquiao will take the blood and urine tests, we can make the fight happen for all the fans."
If Manny Pacquiao wants to fight, it's not hard to find me
--Floyd Mayweather Jr.
The 33-year-old Mayweather dominated the welterweight contest against Mosley but was rocked by a heavy punch in the second round before taking control.
Watched by a multitude of celebrities and film stars, Mayweather pressed hard for a knockout win, but could not put away the battling Mosley, who survived to hear the judges' verdict despite a pummeling in the later rounds.
Mayweather paid tribute to the courage of his opponent while pleased with his own performance.
"I gave the fans what they wanted to see. They wanted to see me moving, and coming forward and that's what I did tonight.
"I went toe-to-toe. That's not my style but I wanted to give them that kind of fight and I knew I could do it.
"They wanted to see me moving, and coming forward and that's what I did.
"We should have pressed the attack a lot earlier and we could have got the knockout, but Shane Mosley is a tough customer and he is one hell of a fighter."
He also shrugged off his early difficulties against Mosley, who has 46 wins from a distinguished 52-fight career.
"That's all with the territory of boxing - only the strongest survive," he said.
"This is a contact sport, some time you are going to get hit with big shots, you must suck it up and keep fighting hard like a warrior."
But attention will now turn to a possible November fight against Pacquiao, who is standing as a candidate in elections in his native country later this month after beating Ghana's Joshua Clottey in his latest bout in March.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Manny Pacquiao in Time Magazine
Pinoy Manny Pacquiao ranked 20th in Time's 100 most influential people in the world! Read story below...
Pacquiao in TIME's 'most influential' poll again
ABS-CBN
[Pacquiao in TIME's 'most influential' poll again] Pacquiao in TIME's 'most influential' poll again
MANILA, Philippines – Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao is again included in TIME Magazine’s poll for the 100 most influential people in the world in 2010.
The poll, which opened on April 1, has Pacquiao joining global personalities like US President Barack Obama, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Conan O'Brien and Oprah Winfrey in the list.
As of April 3, Pacquiao was ranked No. 20 behind satire host John Stewart.
He had a total number of 4,663 votes with an average rating of 91. This is his second appearance on the list.
Pacquiao, a 7-division champion and reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight king, finished No. 20 in TIME Magazine's list of most influential “Heroes & Icons” in 2009.
Other categories listed in TIME’s 100 are Leaders & Revolutionaries, Builders & Titans, Artists & Entertainers, and Scientists & Thinkers.
In the Philippines, Pacquiao is currently engaged in another form of battle. He is running against Roy Chiongbian for the lone congressional seat of Sarangani province in Mindanao.
"An idol in his native Philippines, Pacquiao has become an international sports god, drawing much-needed fans to the fading profession of boxing,” TIME Magazine said.
“For now, the Filipino, a champion in seven weight classes, is focusing on a prize he has tried but failed to win before: a seat in his country's legislature,” it added.
Pacquiao in TIME's 'most influential' poll again
ABS-CBN
[Pacquiao in TIME's 'most influential' poll again] Pacquiao in TIME's 'most influential' poll again
MANILA, Philippines – Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao is again included in TIME Magazine’s poll for the 100 most influential people in the world in 2010.
The poll, which opened on April 1, has Pacquiao joining global personalities like US President Barack Obama, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Conan O'Brien and Oprah Winfrey in the list.
As of April 3, Pacquiao was ranked No. 20 behind satire host John Stewart.
He had a total number of 4,663 votes with an average rating of 91. This is his second appearance on the list.
Pacquiao, a 7-division champion and reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight king, finished No. 20 in TIME Magazine's list of most influential “Heroes & Icons” in 2009.
Other categories listed in TIME’s 100 are Leaders & Revolutionaries, Builders & Titans, Artists & Entertainers, and Scientists & Thinkers.
In the Philippines, Pacquiao is currently engaged in another form of battle. He is running against Roy Chiongbian for the lone congressional seat of Sarangani province in Mindanao.
"An idol in his native Philippines, Pacquiao has become an international sports god, drawing much-needed fans to the fading profession of boxing,” TIME Magazine said.
“For now, the Filipino, a champion in seven weight classes, is focusing on a prize he has tried but failed to win before: a seat in his country's legislature,” it added.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Manny Pacquiao for Retirement?
Will Manny Pacquiao follow his mother’s advice of retirement? If that happens, he would not be able to meet Mayweather Jr in the ring.
Read story below.
Manny returns, hints at retirement
By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star) Updated March 23, 2010 12:00 AM
Thousands of fans brave the searing summer heat to welcome a dapper Manny Pacquiao upon his arrival from the United States. EDD GUMBAN
MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao’s fighting days may soon be over.
Yes, the greatest boxer in the world today is seriously thinking of retirement, and upon his return from Los Angeles at the break of dawn yesterday said his recent fight with Joshua Clottey in Dallas may be his last.
Pacquiao stood beside his wife Jinkee and their three children at the arrival area of the NAIA Terminal 2 when he faced the media, and fielded questions regarding his immediate plans in the boxing and political rings.
He looked back at his fight with Clottey, which took place March 13 at the packed Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, and when asked about the highly-anticipated super-fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. he talked about retiring.
“We may never get there (Mayweather fight) because I might retire soon,” said the 31-year-old icon.
“My mother has been begging for me to retire and now we’re going to talk about it,” added Pacquiao, the only boxer in history to have won seven world titles in seven different weight classes. He has a ring record of 51-3-2 with 38 knockouts.
Pacquiao has won his last 12 fights, most of them big fights, and has never lost since March of 2005 when Erik Morales won a bloody decision in Las Vegas. At the rate he’s going, it seems that Pacquiao is unbeatable inside the ring
.
But retirement, he said, has been knocking on the door, and soon he may have to finally call it a day.
Besides, Pacquiao is venturing into politics, and in the May 10 national elections in the Philippines he will seek a congressional slot in his home province of Saranggani. In 2007, he lost a similar battle, but vowed to do better this time.
His announement about his retirement plans may also have something to do with the coming elections because the general sentiment when he ran for office three years ago was for him to stick to boxing or join politics once he’s done with boxing.
Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, said Pacquiao’s next fight may come in November. He can announce his retirement in the middle of the campaign, and win or lose, he can return to the ring and fight Mayweather by the end of the year.
But if he retires for good, Pacquiao can live like a king for the rest of his life, and enjoy the fruits of his 15-year labor in the brutal sport of professional boxing. Maybe he should retire while he’s healthy, and while he can enjoy his millions.
“I will talk about it with my family. I know I can still fight but I can also retire and have no problem with that. I respect my parents and if they really want me to stop fighting, then I will retire,” he said.
“I know how tough it is for my mother to say that she would kneel before me and ask me to retire. I think I can retire anytime now,” said the boxer who stands to earn as much as $50 million if he fights Mayweather.
In his career spanning more than 15 years, Pacquiao has posted earnings no other Filipino athlete may achieve in a lifetime. In his last last four fights alone, he has earned $53 million in guaranteed purse.
Twenty years ago, Pacquiao had nothing in his pocket. As a child he ran away from home in Gen. Santos City and tried his luck in Manila, landing jobs in a construction firm and a bakery, and sold cigarettes on the streets.
Now he’s being treated like a rock star anywhere he goes. Yesterday, he just laughed when asked to comment about reports that he has plans of buying his own private plane that could take him anywhere, anytime he wants.
“Hindi naman (Not really),” said Pacquiao, smiling.
His wife, Jinkee, stood next to him as talked about retirement. Later on, she said it may be time to hang up those gloves.
“If you ask me, he can retire anytime now. But it will still be his decision. I always tell him that if he can still fight, then it’s okay. But he can retire now. Whatever it is, I’ll always be here for him,” said Jinkee.
The campaign period for local positions will not begin until March 26, and for the meantime, Pacquiao can move around the country endorsing presidential candidate Manny Villar, who was among the well-wishers at the airport.
“We can move around and I get to be with my family, my children,” said Pacquiao.
Pacquiao took a commercial flight from LA to Manila, joined by his wife, and some relatives and friends. He said he slept well during the entire 15-hour flight, and enjoyed the food that was served him.
Late during the flight, Pacquiao stepped out of his first-class cabin to join the passengers in the economy section. He had pictures taken with some of the lucky ones, and acknowledged cheers from his fans.
As he got off the escalator, Pacquiao, accompanied by Villar, former DENR Secretary Lito Atienza and former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson, was met by his children. It was Princess who came up to him first, and hugged and kissed him.
Then he faced the media in a three-piece suit. His face bore no signs of the 12-round battle with Clottey whom he defeated in unamimous fashion. For his latest fight, Pacquiao was given a guaranteed purse of $12 million.
“I’m so happy to be back and see my kids. I feel good. My body is okay,” said the boxer, scheduled to arrive in Saranggani today for another hero’s welcome.
Pacquiao fielded a series of questions, saying the Clottey fight was not easy as it appeared to be, and then said he’s not after Mayweather, the self-proclaimed pound-for-pound champion who is also coming off retirement.
“I’m not the one who should run after him because I’ve accomplished everything in boxing without him. I don’t need anything from Mayweather. I’m open to fighting him or anyone else,” he said.
From the airport, Pacquiao was taken to the New World Hotel in Makati, then he went to hear Mass at the Quiapo Church before proceeding to Malacañang for an audience with President Arroyo, First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, and their grandchildren.
A motorcade that took Pacquiao around the metropolis followed, and late in the afternoon he was to proceed to the SM Mall of Asia for a party-concert hosted by GMA-7.
“I will just sing a few songs because I can’t box there. There’s no ring at the Mall of Asia,” he said.
Read story below.
Manny returns, hints at retirement
By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star) Updated March 23, 2010 12:00 AM
Thousands of fans brave the searing summer heat to welcome a dapper Manny Pacquiao upon his arrival from the United States. EDD GUMBAN
MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao’s fighting days may soon be over.
Yes, the greatest boxer in the world today is seriously thinking of retirement, and upon his return from Los Angeles at the break of dawn yesterday said his recent fight with Joshua Clottey in Dallas may be his last.
Pacquiao stood beside his wife Jinkee and their three children at the arrival area of the NAIA Terminal 2 when he faced the media, and fielded questions regarding his immediate plans in the boxing and political rings.
He looked back at his fight with Clottey, which took place March 13 at the packed Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, and when asked about the highly-anticipated super-fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. he talked about retiring.
“We may never get there (Mayweather fight) because I might retire soon,” said the 31-year-old icon.
“My mother has been begging for me to retire and now we’re going to talk about it,” added Pacquiao, the only boxer in history to have won seven world titles in seven different weight classes. He has a ring record of 51-3-2 with 38 knockouts.
Pacquiao has won his last 12 fights, most of them big fights, and has never lost since March of 2005 when Erik Morales won a bloody decision in Las Vegas. At the rate he’s going, it seems that Pacquiao is unbeatable inside the ring
.
But retirement, he said, has been knocking on the door, and soon he may have to finally call it a day.
Besides, Pacquiao is venturing into politics, and in the May 10 national elections in the Philippines he will seek a congressional slot in his home province of Saranggani. In 2007, he lost a similar battle, but vowed to do better this time.
His announement about his retirement plans may also have something to do with the coming elections because the general sentiment when he ran for office three years ago was for him to stick to boxing or join politics once he’s done with boxing.
Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, said Pacquiao’s next fight may come in November. He can announce his retirement in the middle of the campaign, and win or lose, he can return to the ring and fight Mayweather by the end of the year.
But if he retires for good, Pacquiao can live like a king for the rest of his life, and enjoy the fruits of his 15-year labor in the brutal sport of professional boxing. Maybe he should retire while he’s healthy, and while he can enjoy his millions.
“I will talk about it with my family. I know I can still fight but I can also retire and have no problem with that. I respect my parents and if they really want me to stop fighting, then I will retire,” he said.
“I know how tough it is for my mother to say that she would kneel before me and ask me to retire. I think I can retire anytime now,” said the boxer who stands to earn as much as $50 million if he fights Mayweather.
In his career spanning more than 15 years, Pacquiao has posted earnings no other Filipino athlete may achieve in a lifetime. In his last last four fights alone, he has earned $53 million in guaranteed purse.
Twenty years ago, Pacquiao had nothing in his pocket. As a child he ran away from home in Gen. Santos City and tried his luck in Manila, landing jobs in a construction firm and a bakery, and sold cigarettes on the streets.
Now he’s being treated like a rock star anywhere he goes. Yesterday, he just laughed when asked to comment about reports that he has plans of buying his own private plane that could take him anywhere, anytime he wants.
“Hindi naman (Not really),” said Pacquiao, smiling.
His wife, Jinkee, stood next to him as talked about retirement. Later on, she said it may be time to hang up those gloves.
“If you ask me, he can retire anytime now. But it will still be his decision. I always tell him that if he can still fight, then it’s okay. But he can retire now. Whatever it is, I’ll always be here for him,” said Jinkee.
The campaign period for local positions will not begin until March 26, and for the meantime, Pacquiao can move around the country endorsing presidential candidate Manny Villar, who was among the well-wishers at the airport.
“We can move around and I get to be with my family, my children,” said Pacquiao.
Pacquiao took a commercial flight from LA to Manila, joined by his wife, and some relatives and friends. He said he slept well during the entire 15-hour flight, and enjoyed the food that was served him.
Late during the flight, Pacquiao stepped out of his first-class cabin to join the passengers in the economy section. He had pictures taken with some of the lucky ones, and acknowledged cheers from his fans.
As he got off the escalator, Pacquiao, accompanied by Villar, former DENR Secretary Lito Atienza and former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson, was met by his children. It was Princess who came up to him first, and hugged and kissed him.
Then he faced the media in a three-piece suit. His face bore no signs of the 12-round battle with Clottey whom he defeated in unamimous fashion. For his latest fight, Pacquiao was given a guaranteed purse of $12 million.
“I’m so happy to be back and see my kids. I feel good. My body is okay,” said the boxer, scheduled to arrive in Saranggani today for another hero’s welcome.
Pacquiao fielded a series of questions, saying the Clottey fight was not easy as it appeared to be, and then said he’s not after Mayweather, the self-proclaimed pound-for-pound champion who is also coming off retirement.
“I’m not the one who should run after him because I’ve accomplished everything in boxing without him. I don’t need anything from Mayweather. I’m open to fighting him or anyone else,” he said.
From the airport, Pacquiao was taken to the New World Hotel in Makati, then he went to hear Mass at the Quiapo Church before proceeding to Malacañang for an audience with President Arroyo, First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, and their grandchildren.
A motorcade that took Pacquiao around the metropolis followed, and late in the afternoon he was to proceed to the SM Mall of Asia for a party-concert hosted by GMA-7.
“I will just sing a few songs because I can’t box there. There’s no ring at the Mall of Asia,” he said.
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