Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines (left) clinches with Jeff Horn of Australia during their WBO World Welterweight title fight in Brisbane, Australia, Sunday, July 2, 2017. Pacquiao lost his WBO welterweight world title to Jeff Horn in a stunning, unanimous points decision in a Sunday afternoon bout billed as the Battle of Brisbane in front of more than 50,000 people. (Photo by TERTIUS PICKARD / AP)
KORONADAL CITY – It seems that retirement from boxing is an option but not a priority for Sen. Manny Pacquiao, who has just come home after losing his WBO World Welterweight title to Australian Jeff Horn in Brisbane, Australia.
Pacquiao chartered Air Asia jet landed at 2 p.m. on Monday at the General Santos City International Airport, where he was welcomed with police-military honors.
Asked by reporters if he would consider retiring, Pacquiao merely smiled.
The visibly tired boxer kept smiling while talking briefly to member of the welcoming delegation, led by Gen. Santos acting Mayor Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles and Sarangani Vice Gov. Elmer Peralta.
“I’m so happy,” Pacquiao, wearing dark glasses and a black jacket over his blue shirt, said. “Thank you for your warm welcome my kababayan.”
A motorcade around the city was prepared for him and his Team Pacquiao, but the senator begged off. He did thank the city government for the preparation.
He also apologized to his fans waiting along the road leading to the city proper, saying he would need to rest because he had not been able to sleep well since the fight in Brisbane.
Unlike in previous homecomings, Pacquiao this time simply waved to the crowd and went directly to a waiting vehicle after the arrival honors.
In an earlier TV interview, the dethroned Pacman said that a rematch clause was clearly in his contract with Horn.
He said that, if he should decide to agree to a rematch, he would be the one to choose the referee and three judges. /atm