Updated 06:47 AM EDT, Fri, Mar 29, 2024

Manny Pacquiao Returns to the Philippines: How Did Homeland Welcome Pacman?

  • +
  • -
  • Sign up to receive the lastest news from LATINONE

Manny Pacquiao still came home to a hero's welcome in his country, the Philippines, on Wednesday, with a grand motorcade attended by countless people who warmly greeted the boxer.

Despite losing to the undefeated American fighter, Floyd Mayweather Jr., last May 2 in Las Vegas, Pacquiao did not seem to have disappointed the boxing-loving country as Filipinos cheered for him and offered him well wishes upon his return.

According to ABC News, the Filipino boxer wore a black shoulder brace and arm sling as he arrived early Wednesday morning and went directly to his home at Forbes Park subdivision in Makati City.

A few hours later, he proceeded to the central business district in the same city where fans and supporters waited for him for the start of his motorcade around the capital. Many people went out the streets to catch a glimpse of Pacquiao who gamely waved at the crowd.

CNN said Pacquiao brushed off rematch possibilities with Mayweather when interviewed by the media during his activities in Manila after his arrival.

"I know what you are thinking, that hopefully there would be a rematch. I like that. I want that," Pacquiao told the hotel crowd. "But for the moment, I am thinking of focusing on this shoulder, on my work and my family," he was quoted in the ABC News as saying.

After Mayweather's unanimous victory, Pacquiao's camp claimed that a shoulder injury prevented Pacman from releasing big shots with his right hand. An MRI later confirmed the rotator cuff injury and the Filipino boxer underwent surgery in the United States prior to his return to the Philippines.

According to CNN, he needs to rest for six months to recover 100 percent. Some people, including Mayweather, revealed that Pacquiao is only using his shoulder injury as an excuse after he lost the fight.

Pacquiao responded to these criticisms by saying that he does not want to go down to that level.

The megafight between Pacquiao and Mayweather shattered pay-per-view records as it generated more than $400 million in revenue for the 4.4 million buys.

Asked about this record, Pacquiao said in the ABC News report that he is not really after the money but care more about giving enjoyment to the people especially the fans.

After his motorcade and meeting with some local officials, Pacquiao visited Philippine President Benigno Aquino III who congratulated him for the honor he brought to the country "by fighting with courage and skill."

Presidential spokesperson Sonny Coloma told ABC News the boxer gave the president two black jackets to serve as souvenirs from the fight.

© 2015 Latin One. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
  • Sign up to receive the lastest news from LATINONE
Close

Curiosidades

Real Time Analytics