Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
WBN Editor
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| Picture by Stacey Verbeek |
‘Pacman’ speaks out on ‘twitching’
Eight-weight world champion Manny Pacquiao has commented for
the first time on observations from a doctor that the Filipino may be showing
early signs of Parkinson’s disease.
Neurologist Dr Rustico Jimenez spoke out to radio station
DzMM earlier this week to confirm his concerns that the legendary fighter may
have preliminary twitches - which could lead to the disease developing on a
larger scale in future.
Pacquiao, 34, who is holidaying in Israel on the back of his
knockout loss to Juan Manuel Marquez last month, spoke to friend of WBN Nick
Giongco to declare that he ‘feels great’ and seemed content to laugh off any
suggestions that he may get the disease that affects his trainer Freddie Roach.
Talks are rumoured to be set to begin with Pacquiao and rival Marquez upon
his return from Europe, with promoter Bob Arum keen to stage a fifth instalment
of the popular fight series after witnessing their most entertaining bout yet
in Las Vegas.
39 year-old Marquez has some persuading to do though after promising
his wife that he would retire win or lose in his fourth battle with Pacquiao, although a bumper payday, which would break the Mexican record held by Julio Cesar
Chavez Sr, may well smooth over his efforts.