MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) ? Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao headed off the country Monday afternoon to continue his holiday vacation with his family.
Destination? Japan then Australia.
Pacquiao said he will bring his family to Disneyland in Japan. He noted that this will be their first time to set foot in the Land of the Rising Sun.
The Pacquiao family will then head to Australia next where they will celebrate the New Year.
The Fighter of the Decade said he will have to enjoy the vacation before he resumes his duties as congressman of Sarangani and before he trains for his next fight.
Pacquiao said he spent Christmas Day in the island of Boracay where he said he enjoyed a bonding session with his family.
“Nag-banana boat and then nag-scuba-diving,” he said.
(“We even rode a banana boat and did scuba-diving”)
Geared up for May 7
Pacquiao is set to clash with “Sugar” Shane Mosley on May 7 next year, in Las Vegas, according to Top Rank promoter Bob Arum.
“Nakipag-negotiate na si Bob Arum and then last time na nakausap ko si Arum, malaki ang posibilidad na matuloy iyong Mosley…” the 8-division champion said.
(“Bob Arum has has negotiated with Mosley’s camp. The last time I checked, a Mosley fight is deemed very possible to happen”)
“Magiging mabigat iyong laban. Magaling din si Shane Mosley,” he added.
(“A fight with Mosley will be difficult.”)
Some boxing writers and fans have reacted, however, and have posted comments on social networking sites Facebook and Twitter saying Mosley is too old, making him less wanted as Pacquiao’s next foe.
Amid the online rants, Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach had said, however, that Mosley is not an opponent to underestimate. The famed boxing coach said the American fighter is experienced enough to go toe-to-toe with Pacquiao.
For his next fight, Pacquiao is expected to start training by March 2011. ? Report by Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News
