Nick Giongco
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| Picture by Stacey Verbeek |
Despite the horrible ending to Pacquiao’s fourth fight with Marquez on Saturday night, the vanquished Filipino fighter made it clear that he is not hanging up his gloves. Not yet.
The elections in the Philippines is set for May 2013 and although he doesn’t have a challenger when he runs for a second term as congressman of Sarangani, Pacquiao needs to make his presence felt because some of his family members and friends are seeking public office and would want his help.
Pacquiao publicist Fred Sternburg said hours after the fight that the 33-year-old eight-division world champion doesn’t have plans of putting on hold the Top Rank date of April 20, 2013 as his next scheduled bout.
“He is not running but his wife (Jinkee) is and his brother (Rogelio is also running),” said Sternburg told an American writer as the number of mediamen began to dwindle at the massive MGM Grand media center early Sunday morning.
Whether it’ll be Marquez or Rios, a heavy-hitter who is also under the promotional banner of Top Rank, could not be determined at the moment.
Marquez, speaking during the post-fight press conference, evaded the question regarding his next fight.
“I will first celebrate and spend some time with my family (before thinking about who to fight next),” said Marquez.
Top Rank chief Bob Arum, shocked by the violent ending, said a fifth fight can be done.
“Why not?” said Arum, who was celebrating his 81st birthday, an episode in his colorful life that he will never ever forget.
It was right in front of Arum that Pacquiao fell face-first after absorbing Marquez right straight in dying seconds of the sixth round.
Pacquiao’s fall, likened to a tree that had been cut by a lumberjack, sent his wife Jinkee in hysterics.
Referee Kenny Bayless didn’t even bother to count and bedlam ensued on top of the ring as medical personnel battled their way through where Pacquiao laid sprawled and motionless.
The panic-stricken Jinkee was later seen crying and Arum was right there to soothe her and reassure her that everything’s going to be all right.
Later, when he regained his consciousness, Pacquiao still managed to put a smile on his face, which had minor bruises, to show his fans that he is fine.
“I never expected that punch. It was a good shot,” acknowledged Pacquiao, who turns 34 next week and plans to celebrate in style in General Santos City.
“In boxing, you get hit,” he added.
With a shot like that, you don’t only get hit. You get knocked out. Cold!.
Pacquiao has been released by the hospital after a CT scan that was negative and was back in his suite at The Hotel spending some time with his loved ones on Sunday.
Courtesy of Nick Giongco of the Manila Bulletin