There’s no doubt in Manny Pacquiao’s mind that he should have been declared the winner in his May 2 super showdown with Floyd Mayweather.
“I’ve seen the fight over and over and I feel that I won seven (rounds) to five (rounds for Mayweather),” Pacquiao said upon his return yesterday morning from Los Angeles on board Philippine Airlines flight PR 103.
The plane touched down shortly before 4 a.m. and Pacquiao attended a mini-press conference and maintained the belief that he had done enough to win the decision that went Mayweather’s way.
One judge scored it 118-110, while the two other judges had it identical 116-112 after the celebrated bout held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
But Pacquiao insists he doesn’t have anything against the officials who worked the fight that has generated a staggering 4.5 million in pay-per-view subscription.
“I respect their decision so it is time for me to move on,” said Pacquiao, 36, whose right arm was still being supported by a sling following surgery on his rotator cuff a few days ago in Los Angeles.
Pacquiao had reinjured his shoulder during the fourth round of the fight after sustaining an injury during a heated sparring session in early-April.
Despite the shooting pain, Pacquiao fought through it, concerned that withdrawing would hurt the feelings of his fans and followers.
But Pacquiao’s show of bravado cost him dearly as doctors who operated on him say he needs six to nine months for the injury to completely heal, a major blow in his bid to stage a comeback bout by late-November.
“This is my immediate focus now…to let the injury heal first before talking about a comeback fight,” said Pacquiao.
With Pacquiao grounded, he will have more time to resume his congressional duties, fulfill his family obligations and coach his basketball team, Kia, in the PBA.
When asked about his political plans, Pacquiao held back his punches despite being rumored to be keen on running for the Senate next year and a possible shot at the presidency in 2022.
“I haven’t made a decision on that yet,” said Pacquiao, stressing that becoming president of the country is not in his mind.
Pacquiao has a contract with Bob Arum’s Top Rank Inc. until the end of 2016 and although a rematch with Mayweather appears to be a longshot at this point, the landscape could change next year.
A 20,000-capacity arena in Las Vegas is set for completion in April 2016 and there is widespread speculation that Pacquiao might headline its opening against, who else, but Mayweather.