World boxing champion and Philippine congressman Manny Pacquiao was greeted by fans and supporters with the usual fanfare he has been receiving over the last five years.
Looking very fit, he indulged the local press here in a Q&A session, answering the hottest issues over his recent fight with Juan Manuel Marquez which ended in a majority win, albeit disputed, for the Sarangani congressman.
He effectively doused off howls over Marquez? alleged foul tactics and said stepping on one?s foot is part of the game of boxing. Sometimes, when a southpaw and an orthodox boxer clash, they become more accidental rather than part of the tactical battle plan.
Pacquiao nevertheless showed his sports statesmanship by giving Marquez his due.
Marquez, he said, is a good boxer.
The Mexican clearly had a battle plan he implemented to a T.
Pacquiao said as much as he wanted to please the boxing fans by knocking out the gritty and wily Mexican, it was not meant to be that night.
He said he might have over trained for the match.
