Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao, wearing a black shoulder brace and arm sling, waves during a welcome motorcade in Manila, Philippines on Wednesday, May 13, 2015. AP
He repeatedly reviewed the tape of his fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao’s belief that he won grew stronger each time.
Pacquiao, wearing a black shoulder brace and arm sling to protect his recently operated right shoulder, said yesterday he scored the May 2 blockbuster bout, 7-5, in his favor.
The eight-division world champion, who was feted with a hero’s welcome upon his arrival from Los Angeles yesterday, added, however, that he’s not complaining and respects the judges’ unanimous decision for Mayweather.
“I accept my loss,” said Pacquiao in Filipino. “I’m not angry. I’m just explaining what is right.”
While he’s nursing the sewn tear on his right rotator cuff, Pacquiao said he wants to focus on his duties as Sarangani representative.
Pacquiao said it would take eight weeks before he can use his right arm after his surgery on Wednesday in Los Angeles, and six months for it to fully recover.
Only then will Pacquiao consider his next move although he added he remains hopeful that Mayweather will grant him a rematch.
Despite the negative reactions to Pacquiao’s revelations of his injury and Mayweather’s refusal to put up a fight, their encounter shattered all ring revenue records as expected.
Total gross income was projected to reach $600 million following reports that pay-per-view buys hit over 4.4 million or $400 million in sales, $72M in live gate receipts, $35M in foreign broadcast rights, $11M in sponsorships, plus undisclosed amount in close-circuit and merchandise sales.
As a result, Mayweather is expected to earn over $200M and Pacquiao $120M.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao adviser Michael Koncz told the Inquirer that the Fighter of the Decade will return to the United States next month for checkup and attend to some personal matters.