PACQUIAO ARRIVES TO HERO'S WELCOME, CONFIRMS RETIREMENT
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 14 Apr 2016
Eight division world champion and ?Fighter of the Decade? Manny Pacquiao arrived to a hero's welcome at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Philippines after 5:00 a.m. aboard a Philippine Airlines flight from Los Angeles to a rousing welcome by countless media people and fight fans who simply wanted to congratulate Manny on his dominating win over Timothy ?Desert Storm? Bradley in their third encounter at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas last April 9.
Pacquiao who underwent surgery for a torn rotator cuff injury which was aggravated in the fourth round of his ?Fight of the Century? against unbeaten pound for pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr in a disappointing showdown last May 2, scored two knockdowns against Bradley, one in the 7th and another in the 9th round to coast to identical 116-110 scorecards turned in by all three judges.
The 37 year old Pacquiao had insisted that his third fight against Bradley which was the 66th of his career would be his farewell bout before he hangs up his gloves and focuses on his political career when the two-term congressman from Sarangani province seeks a berth in the senatorial in the senatorial elections next month.
Latest surveys show Pacquiao who is ranked No. 7 to 10 almost certain to win, although there are many, including Top Rank promoter Bob Arum and Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, believing Pacquiao will return to the ring especially if he can land a lucrative rematch with currently retired welterweight, Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the fight game where Manny has earned over $500 million, including $150 million from the first Mayweather fight alone.
When asked whether he planned to stay retired, Pacquiao replied: "I think so. I've made a commitment to my family that I'm going to retire after this,? referring to the Bradley trilogy.
Manny added, "Maybe I enjoy being a retired man, serving the people, helping the people" which no doubt pleased his charming wife Jinkee and their five kids.
In a farewell message to his fans, Pacquiao said "Thank you to all the fans in boxing, especially the Filipino people. I've really appreciated all your help and support."
Pacquiao landed some solid combinations throughout the bout and although he wasn?t as explosive as in the past against fighters like Ricky Hatton, Oscar de la Hoya, Miguel Cotto, David Diaz and Antonio Margarito, he often had bursts of speed and power to overwhelm Bradley.
After the fight Bradley paid tribute to Pacquiao. He said "I fought really good tonight but I don't know what was going on.
He always seemed to be in the right spot. He was a step ahead of me when I was supposed to be a step ahead of him. He used his experience against me, his ability and he won the fight tonight...I was in there with a special man, Manny Pacquiao."
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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