Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines poses after defeating Lucas Matthysse of Argentina during their WBA World welterweight title bout in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sunday, July 15, 2018. Pacquiao won the WBA welterweight world title after knocking out Matthysse on round seven. (AP Photo/Yam G-Jun)
Manny Pacquiao on Saturday dismissed health issues and assured those concerned that he is not in harm’s way.
Pacquiao’s comments about his health came on the heels of a report saying that the Filipino ring legend had been diagnosed with a serious heart ailment a week before his title fight with Lucas Matthysse.
“I feel fine. I feel great. I thank God for giving me strength everyday and keeping me protected through all the years of my life. Winning by knockout over Matthysse was a bonus,” said the 39-year-old Pacquiao.
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The report also said Pacquiao went against the doctors’ order and that the Matthysse fight nearly got canceled because of the eight-division champion’s heart problems.
Pacquiao admitted he underwent medical and physical checkup a week before the bout but added that it’s normal for athletes to have themselves checked heading into a competition.
“Walang problema iyan (That’s nothing). It’s just part of medical requirements for athletes,” said Pacquiao.
READ: Pacquiao risked life in KL title fight
Pacquiao’s performance against Matthysse, however, showed no signs of it as he obliterated the Argentine, who was knocked down thrice and lasted for only seven rounds.
“I really wanted to win this fight and I challenged myself so much in training that I pushed myself to the maximum limits of my body,” said Pacquiao. “I always knew that training hardest makes every fight easier.”