Manny Pacquiao connects anew on a right straight to the face of Floyd Mayweather Jr.
(Inquirer)
Las Vegas—Manny Pacquiao’s initial reaction when he was still on top of the ring was that he had been robbed of victory against Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Having done some thinking and after changing his jerseys for a white long sleeve and black pants, however, Pacquiao had some reservations about what really transpired in their colossal battle for pride, glory and money Saturday night.
“I did my best, but my best wasn’t’ good enough,” Pacquiao opened up during the post-fight conference. “Anyway I’d like to thank the people who came to witness the fight. I don’t want to make alibis. It’s a good 12 rounds. I fought a good fight.”
To be fair to Mayweather, Pacquiao said he had to review the tapes of the fight “to see what really happened.”
Of course, with one good hand, Pacquiao became an easier, more readable target for Mayweather, who sneaked in punches to prevent the Filipino ring icon from launching a full-blown attack starting from the seventh round.
From the second to the fourth round, Pacquiao had the better of Mayweather, who was still trying to second-guess his actions then.
Once Mayweather, touted as one of the sport’s best counterpuncher and tactician, found Pacquiao’s loopholes, however, the fight took a spiral for the eight-division world champion.
Fact is, Mayweather swept the last six rounds, according to the three judges.
Pacquiao, however, couldn’t believe that the bout was that lopsided, 118-110 once and 116-112 twice, based on the judges’ scorecards.
SHOULDER PROBLEM
“I thought I caught him many times. I was never hurt. I was very surprised by the scores,” said Pacquiao, who then made a candid admission that all’s not really been well in his seven-week training camp in Hollywood.
“You know, this training camp I thought we’re planning to postpone as I cannot use my right hand,” said Pacquiao. “We plan to seek commission exemption (painkillers) for numbing in my right shoulder.”
While he was able to control the pain, Pacquiao admitted that two weeks before the fight his shoulder didn’t really get better. “I realized, something was wrong.”
According to Pacquiao, he had an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) three weeks before the fight, and found out that there was a tear on his right shoulder.
Despite absorbing his sixth loss against 57 wins (38 by knockout) and two draws, Pacquiao wasn’t in a foul mood.
“I’m very happy with the result. I fought a good fight. I cannot use my right hand a lot, but it’s still good. It’s still there.”
Pacquiao then gave Mayweather credit for the fight witnessed by a packed crowd of 16,507 at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
“He’s fast. He’s a good boxer. Give the credit to him. He won the fight.”
Upon the prodding of the media, however, Pacquiao was forced to admit that his right shoulder hurt when he threw a lot of punches and combinations.
“I didn’t complain as it’s part of the game. I didn’t want to make alibis.”
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