Aquino, Pacquiao discuss megafight, shooting
P-Noy receives Sarangani Lone District Representative @MannyPacquiao during his courtesy call in Malacañang. Photo from Aquino’s official Twitter account.
Sarangani Representative and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao met with President Benigno Aquino III at Malacañang on Wednesday.
Pacquiao, who lost to Floyd Mayweather Jr. via unanimous decision more than a week ago, arrived at the compound several minutes before 3 p.m. and paid a courtesy call on Aquino.
READ: Despite loss, Pacquiao still comes home to a hero’s welcome
He was wearing a sling for his surgically repaired shoulder and was accompanied by his adviser Michael Koncz and Solar Sports president Wilson Tieng.
The Filipino boxing champion underwent surgery in Los Angeles to fix the torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder before flying to Manila.
Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the meeting lasted for about 30 minutes.
“President Aquino inquired about the shoulder injury sustained by Rep. Pacquiao in his recent fight against Floyd Mayweather. He said he felt pain in his right shoulder in the final seconds of the third round and that this injury hampered his movement for the rest of the fight,” Coloma said in a statement.
The Secretary said Aquino thanked and congratulated Pacquiao for again bringing honor to the country.
“The President observed that Mayweather may have projected himself as having been slightly more aggressive in the early rounds and that this may have influenced the eventual outcome, but that like most spectators, he observed that Mayweather avoided engaging Rep. Pacquiao at close quarters,” he added.
In addition to Pacquiao’s fight with Mayweather, the two officials also discussed a “mutual interest: shooting as a recreational activity.”
Aquino is a known gun enthusiast.
“The President shared with him some practical tips. Rep. Pacquiao recalled how he joined the President at a shooting event a few years ago and asked if he may do so again as soon as he recovers from his injury — and the President nodded his head in agreement,” Coloma said.
The boxing icon gave two black jackets to Aquino as souvenirs of the fight.
READ: Pacquiao back in PH, to focus on healing, Congress work, family
Pacquiao and his family arrived in Manila on Wednesday morning. A motorcade was held in his honor despite his disappointing loss to Mayweather. CC
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