Manny Pacquiao gestures to fans after his WBA welterweight title fight against Yordenis Ugas at T-Mobile Arena on August 21, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP
MANILA, Philippines—Manny Pacquiao was surprised by the warm reception he received upon his arrival back home from the United States on Monday.
Pacquiao did not expect to have somewhat a hero’s welcome after his stunning loss to Yordenis Ugas of Cuba in their welterweight title fight last Aug. 22 (Manila time) in Las Vegas.
“I never thought that they will welcome me like this. I thought there will be no fanfare because I did not win. I’m really grateful for the warm welcome,” said Pacquiao in Filipino in an interview with GMA News.
The 42-year-old Pacquiao, whose boxing future is uncertain at this point, was also apologetic for failing to deliver in a fight he was expected to win.
“I’m sorry we didn’t win but at least, we fought and we didn’t give up,” said the eight-division champion.
Pacquiao, who boarded Philippine Airlines Flight 103 from Los Angeles along with his wife Jinkee, son Israel and several members of his entourage, and his camp will complete a mandatory 10-day quarantine at Conrad Manila in Pasay City.