MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao took a jab at his critics but thanked supporters as he looked back at his recent fight against Juan Manuel Marquez upon arrival from Los Angeles yesterday morning.
He said he?s partly to blame for spoiling his fans through the years, resulting in a wave of criticism following his close and controversial decision over his toughest rival inside the ring.
He also assured his fans that he would continue fighting, and said he doesn?t mind facing Marquez for a fourth time, or taking on Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a super fight sometime in May.
?Sinanay ko kasi ang mga tao na lagi akong nananalo na bugbog ang kalaban (I?ve made people so used to me winning by beating up my opponents),? he told well wishers.
Pacquiao?s victory over Marquez was met with loud boos from Mexican fans at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and was criticized by fellow Filipinos who thought Marquez should have won their third fight.
He begged for understanding that victories don?t always come on a silver platter.
?Baka naman puwedeng payagan nyo naman ako manalo ng close fight (Maybe you can allow me win close fights as well),? said Pacquiao at the main lobby of the Midas Hotel in Pasay City.
?Those who don?t believe the decision, get real and be a Filipino. Maybe these people are just envious. But it?s okay. I understand them but I hope they get rid of their crab mentality,? he added.
Pacquiao, who slipped to No. 2 in the pound-for-pound rankings following the unimpressive win, said he knew he was ahead on points even before the final bell sounded.
?It?s just that I wasn?t able to dish out the kind of performance I had hoped for. I was not totally convinced with my performance,? he admitted. ?What I expect and what the people expect didn?t happen. But not every time it is a one-sided fight and we get to clobber our opponents.?
It was the toughest fight for Pacquiao since losing to Erik Morales in March 2005. But it was also his 15th straight win, a mean streak highlighted by victories over taller, bigger and heavier opponents.
?The time came that the fight became close,? said the fighting congressman from Sarangani.
Pacquiao and his entourage, including his wife Jinkee, arrived on board a PAL jumbo jet at around 8:30 a.m., almost three hours behind schedule from Los Angeles via Guam.
The reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion was welcomed by his children at the arrival area. His daughter, Princess, handed him a special placard, and he kissed them one by one.
Jinkee received red roses from her kids.
On a makeshift stage he fielded questions from the media, but he refused to comment when asked about former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her recent arrest. World boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee are shown with their children upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport yesterday. MIKE AMOROSO
?I cannot comment on that until I go through the developments. It is difficult to make a comment without knowing the real situation,? said Pacquiao, who was away for two months.
The boxing hero went inside the airport?s presidential lounge before he was brought to the Midas Hotel along Roxas Blvd. for another warm reception and a rain of confetti.
A makeshift boxing ring was set up at the main entrance of the hotel that used to be the Hyatt Hotel, the same one that hosted the late Joe Frazier during the epic ?Thrilla in Manila? in 1975.
But it got a little chaotic outside, and instead of facing the media once more, he was whisked inside the newly renovated hotel.
Again, he thanked the Filipino people and those who continue to support him.
?I?m so happy to see my children. I haven?t seen them for two months. I missed the Philippines,? he said, adding that nothing is definite yet regarding his boxing plans.
He said he will take them up with his promoter, Bob Arum, and trainer, Freddie Roach, after the holidays.
?I can take on Marquez or Mayweather and have no problem with that. At the moment I will enjoy time with my family and go back to my duties as a congressman,? he added.
Pacquiao will turn 33 on Dec. 17 and a grand celebration is being planned in General Santos City. He flies to Sarangani this week for another hero?s welcome.
The plan is to have him ride a horse in a parade in his home province.
Pacquiao and his family were brought up to his suite, where robes and bath towels were specially prepared, bearing his initials. Portraits of his family decorated the room.
For breakfast, Pacquiao had soup, garlic rice, beef tapa, red eggs and tomatoes.
After breakfast, Pacquiao and Jinkee attended their usual thanksgiving Mass at the Quiapo Church in Manila, where they were greeted by churchgoers.
It was earlier reported he might proceed to the Manila City Hall for a courtesy call on Mayor Alfredo Lim before going to Malaca?ang to call on President Aquino.
However, Pacquiao reportedly cancelled his appointment at City Hall.
Promotion awaits Pacman
Meanwhile, the Army is now coordinating with Pacquiao?s camp for the donning of his lieutenant colonel rank.
?They (Army) are now doing the coordination for the donning of ranks. When we commission someone in the regular reserve, we hold a formal donning of the ranks,? Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said in a press briefing.
Army spokesperson Maj. Harold Cabunoc, however, said they have yet to set a specific date for the ceremony.
?Win or lose, we support Manny Pacquiao, our reservist. He continues to inspire soldiers? The professionalism and discipline he displayed in the boxing ring serve as inspiration for soldiers in our fight in winning the peace,? Burgos said.
He said it would be favorable for the military if Pacquiao visits field troops in areas like Basilan and Sulu.
?It?s something significant for us soldiers. The visit of Manny Pacquiao to any unit would surely boost the morale of our troops,? he said, adding that it would be up to the boxer whether he would conduct such visits.
Pacquiao was appointed reserve Army lieutenant colonel last October. The appointment has been greeted with criticism, as the boxer holds no college degree, one of the requirements for achieving the rank.
The military, however, claimed that Pacquiao?s designation as lieutenant colonel is legitimate since he is a lawmaker. ? Alexis Romero
