MANILA, Philippines – The Filipino doctor who thinks that Manny Pacquiao has been showing early signs of Parkinson?s disease may find himself in hot water.
Pacquiao, according to reports, is considering filing a civil suit against Dr. Rustico Jimenez, president of the Private Hospitals Associaion of the Philippines.
Jimenez, a neurologist, said in a radio interview, which was picked up by a Philippine newspaper and posted on the Internet, that he noticed Pacquiao?s hand ?twitching? on television.
Pacquiao suffered a devastating knockout against Juan Manuel Marquez last Dec. 8 in Las Vegas. He lay motionless on the canvas for over a minute, and many feared for the worst.
This must have planted an impression on the Filipino doctor that when he noticed Pacquiao?s hand twitch he took it as an early sign of Parkinson?s.
He, however, said he based his observations on Pacquiao?s appearance on television, and that he had never examined the boxer himself. Sportshub ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
Parkinson?s disease is common among fighters who have been through the toughest battles. It?s a disorder that leads to shaking (tremors), difficulty in walking, movement and coordination.
Muhammad Ali, known the ?The Greatest,? is the most famous boxer battling Parkinson?s.
Pacquiao is vacationing with his family in Israel, and the ring icon was not happy with the reports coming in from Manila.
?There is nothing to worry about. I am 100 percent healthy,? he was quoted by www.boxingscene.com as saying.
Instead of going straight to the hospital, once he returns home, Pacquiao said he wants to go to the gym, and start loosening up because he wants to fight in April.
Jimenez said he?s only after Pacquiao?s safety, and he doesn?t want to see the Filipino treasure ?wheelchair-bound? once he steps out of the ring.
But many considered his actions as a ?low blow? on Pacquiao.
Pacquiao had undergone a series of tests ? a CT scan in Las Vegas right after the fight and an MRI exam at the Cardinal Santos Hospital in San Juan upon his return.
Pacquiao?s promoter, Bob Arum, said he was told that Pacquiao?s attending physician was surprised how ?clean? Pacquiao?s brain was.
Still, Arum wants the boxer to undergo a more extensive brain check at the Cleveland Clinic in Las Vegas. Once cleared, they can start negotiating for his next fight.
But Jimenez, a neurologist, jumped the gun on everybody when he said in an interview that Pacquiao could be showing signs of Parkinson?s, and should retire.
