MANILA, Philippines?Newly crowned World Boxing Council super featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao is back in the country, radio and television reports said.
Pacquiao was warmly welcomed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport upon his arrival at exactly 6:20 a.m. Monday on board Philippine Airlines flight 103, the reports from GMA Network said.
In a short interview at the NAIA?s presidential lounge, he said that his victory was not a fluke and that he was willing to challenge his critics, the reports said.
Pacquiao won the WBC crown by split decision from Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez last March 16 in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao said it was only natural for Marquez not to accept defeat.
He will proceed to Quiapo Church for a 9 a.m. Mass, attend a press conference at the GMA 7 building in Quezon City at 11 a.m. and pay a courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malaca?ang at 2:30 p.m.
Pacquiao will receive Philippine boxing?s highest honor during the 8th Gabriel ?Flash? Elorde Memorial Awards at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel Tuesday night.
