Filipino boxer and Congressman Manny Pacquiao answers questions from the media during a news conference upon arrival Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at suburban Pasay city south of Manila, Philippines. AP
Hours after his return to the Philippines, boxing icon Manny Pacquiao on Wednesday said that he remains unbowed despite his loss to American Floyd Mayweather Jr.
READ: Pacquiao arrives in Manila
During the breakfast reception at Dusit Thani hotel ahead of his motorcade, Pacquiao said he is proud of what he was able to show the entire world and for being able to unite the Filipinos once again.
“Hindi ako nakayuko,” Pacquiao said. “Nakataas ang noo ko dahil ipinakita ko ang tapang ng isang Pilpino.”
(My head isn’t bowed down. My head is held high because I showed the world the courage and strength of a Filipino.)
READ: In Pacquiao country ‘whole world knows he won’
Echoing his earlier statement the United States, Pacquiao said that he won the fight—contrary to the judges’ unanimous decision favoring Mayweather—after watching the tapes and scoring the match himself.
“Tinatanggap ko kung ano ang hatol ng mga judges; kailangan kong tanggapin dahil kasama sa sports ‘yan. Ni-review ko paulit-ulit ang tape, kahit saang anggulo lamang pa rin ako ng two points, 7-5 (rounds won) ang score ko,” Pacquiao said.
(I accept the decision of the judges. I have to accept it because it’s part of sports. But after repeatedly reviewing the tape, I should have been up by two points, 7-5.)
READ: Pacquiao: I thought I won the fight
Pacquiao also said he wanted to give the viewers an action-packed match that they deserved, but Mayweather’s style as the problem.
“I should have practiced track and field,” he joked.
READ: Heartbroken Filipinos turn to humor to ease pain
Pacquiao returned to Manila shortly before 4 a.m. Wednesday after a tumultuous 10-day swing which saw him lose to Mayweather, face lawsuits from disgruntled fans, and have a surgery to repair his injured shoulder.
As of posting time, Pacquiao’s homecoming motorcade from Makati to Manila has begun. IDL
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