AFTER knocking out Erik Morales cold in the biggest fight of his life, Manny Pacquiao will be keeping himself away from boxing. Well, at least for now.
Pacquiao said he intends to go home to the Philippines and spend time with his family after that grueling super featherweight battle at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas Saturday.
“Rest,” was Pacquiao’s quick reply during a post-fight press conference when asked whom he will be fighting next.
“I want to be with my family and friends. I want some rest,” said Pacquiao, who stopped Morales in the 10th round to avenge his March defeat to the Mexican.
The 27-year-old Pacquiao sacrificed a lot in his rematch with the crafty Morales. He left his home in General Santos City for training camp in Los Angeles early in December and spent his birthday and the holidays away from his family.
Pacquiao endured rigid training under the watchful eyes of his American trainer Freddie Roach and absorbed power shots from Morales during fight time.
Morales, a skillful fighter, landed bombs of his own in the action-packed 10 rounds that he and Pacquiao went through. The Filipino boxer also suffered bruises in his face as a result of Morales’ blows.
All Pacquiao’s sacrifices paid off with that huge win, even becoming the first boxer to stop the future Hall of Famer Morales.
But for now, Pacquiao does not want to think about boxing.
