BAGUIO, Philippines ? Manny Pacquiao yesterday said he has nothing to prove as a boxer, having achieved a record eighth title in as many weight divisions, and doesn?t need a Floyd Mayweather Jr. to further cement his status as the greatest fighter of his era.
?I don?t need him either,? said Pacquiao in his retort to Mayweather?s statement in a post-fight conference after the American scored a controversial fourth round knockout against Victor Ortiz in Las Vegas over the weekend.
?With my accomplishments and even without fighting him, I am now very satisfied,? said the Saranggani representative in Filipino.
The world believes the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight will break all records, including the biggest paycheck in boxing history. But what matters for Pacquiao these days is his upcoming fight with old nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez.
?I have nothing to prove at this stage. What I want is to concentrate on my next fight,? he said.
Last Monday, Pacquiao kicked off his buildup for his Nov. 12 duel with Marquez, their third after their first two face-offs ended in controversial fashions.
Noted trainer Freddie Roach joined his ward the other day together with Venezuelan boxer Jorge Linares, who will be one of Pacquiao?s sparring partners during his three-week training here before moving to Roach?s Wild Card gym in California.
NOTES: Manny Pacquiao laughed off his wife Jinkee?s dare that she would give away a signature bag to anyone who can prove he is linked to other women… ?Grabe naman (That?s too much),? said Pacquiao. ?Let?s not talk about that.?… The boxing sensation also disclosed that he will refrain from making any film while training amidst repot of a team-up with fellow General Santos City personality and Miss Universe third runner-up Shamcey Supsup… ?Lie low muna sa movies,? Pacquiao said. ?But it will be a privilege to be with her. She is beautiful and I?m proud that she is also from Mindanao like me.?
