Manny Pacquiao is leaving the past behind as he looks forward to the future.
The 26-year-old Filipino ring sensation said he’s raring to get back in shape and prepare for his comeback fight slated this September following a draining legal battle that saw him accepting an out-of-court settlement with former American promoter Murad Muhammad.
Pacquiao arrived in the country yesterday morning from Los Angeles and went straight to the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the main function room of the Pantalan Restaurant in Manila, where he and lawyer Judd Burstein in a special, live phone patch interview from New York City, bared the story behind their court victory over the New Jersey-based Muhammad and what plans are in store for the pride of General Santos City in the remaining months of the year.
The former International Boxing Federation super bantamweight champion though, refused to elaborate whether legal action will be taken against Rod Nazario, his erstwhile manager whom Pacquiao’s battery of lawyers contend connived with Muhammad in denying the Filipino millions of pesos in earnings.
“Let’s move on. Gusto ko na uling bumalik sa training at makapag-champion muli. Ayaw ko nang pag-usapan yan. Masaya na ako ngayon. Para kasing nakalabas na ako sa kulungan,” said the travel-weary Pacquiao in the public sports program sponsored by Red Bull, Supermax, Circure, Pagcor and Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.
“Tapos na ‘yung laban. Naghagis na ng tuwalya ‘yung kalaban sa last round, kaya kalimutan na natin ‘yan,” added Pacquiao, referring to the $33 million suit he won against Muhammad that negated the remaining three fights he has with the outspoken promoter.
