MANILA, Philippines – After proving that he can still compete at a high level in an impressive display against Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios, Filipino boxing superstar Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is not thinking about hanging up his gloves.
Prior to Sunday's fight, Hall-of-Fame trainer Freddie Roach had said he will advise Pacquiao to retire should he wind up losing.
The Pacman’s performance proved that he still has plenty left in the tank.
“Hindi pa po,” Pacquiao answered when asked by ANC’s Karen Davila if he is planning on retiring soon. “Katulad ng sinabi ko, kaya ko pa naman. Nage-enjoy pa ako.”
Pacquiao said he is proud to have once again brought honor to the country, which for him is more important than the $18 million he was guaranteed to earn against Rios.
“Hindi naman ang mahalaga lang ay ‘yung purse natin,” said Pacquiao. “Ang importante, nakapagbigay ako ng karangalan sa bansa.”
“Habit na ba, na makapagbigay ng karangalan sa buong bansa, makita mo na masaya ‘yung mga tao,” he added. “Isa ‘yung malaking karangalan para sa akin.”
Pacquiao said he was satisfied with his performance against Rios, especially as he was coming off a two-fight losing streak, as well as the longest lay-off of his career, having last stepped inside the ring on December 2012.
“Happy naman ako, kasi one year na hindi ako nakalaban, eh hindi pa rin nawala ‘yung galaw natin,” he said. “Nand’yan pa rin ‘yung galaw natin, at ‘yung nasabi ko nga na kaya ko pa.”
Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, has scheduled the Filipino’s return fight for April 2014, although they have yet to decide on an opponent.
“Hindi ko pa alam kung sino ang kalaban,” said Pacquiao. “Magu-usap pa kami ni Bob Arum.”
Pacquiao is expected to arrive home in General Santos City on Monday afternoon. He has made plans to visit and hand out relief goods to the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
