NO matter how much we Filipinos pride ourselves in being resilient and blessed with the unbelievable grace of moving on after a loss, there are just times when we seem to need more supernatural power to shake off our disappointment. Such is the case over the defeat of our Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao to the undefeated American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the recently concluded, much hyped “Fight of the Century”.
Forget about how much many kababayans really abhor the archrival of Pacquiao, who had reportedly been spewing toxic jabbing words for more than five years before finally agreeing to fight with Pacquiao in the ring. Forget about how Mayweather’s supporters claim he was just a better fighter who has mastered how to tactically use defense and offense to score points, based on how judges rate given the rules of the match. Forget about the alleged “Vegas Mafia” that puts conspiracy theories on the forefront, asserting that Money Mayweather would never lose to a decision in Las Vegas.
The revelations following the mega-bout just opened the floodgates to more doubts and questions. Why did Pacman lose in the biggest and most anticipated fight of his life? Didn’t Pacquiao say he thought he won the fight because Mayweather did nothing but prove how much he loved Pacquiao by just always hugging him and then running away instead of engaging him in a real exciting “brawl” that fans expected this show to be?
But a day after, new revelations came out, with Pacquiao admitting that he lost to Mayweather because of an injured shoulder. The Mayweather camp was quick to dismiss this story as Pacquiao’s alibi.
As of press time, our Pambansang Kamao may face charges for perjury for not disclosing such injury as he should have. Worse, he may also face a class action lawsuit against boxing fans who contend that because of this undisclosed injury, they did not get the kind of fight they paid big money for.
How could this have happened? Didn’t Team Pacquiao even brag that the Pacman was in the best condition weeks before the mega-fight?
Now the new headline stated that Manny Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz and promoter Top Rank CEO Bob Arum have confirmed that Pacman’s shoulder is injured and will need surgery this week. According to Pacquiao, this injury was originally from a jet skiing accident in 2009. It was claimed to have aggravated during this past training camp for Mayweather.
Team Pacquaio’s Official Explanation
Balitang America received the official statement of Team Pacquiao and Top Rank Promotions, which states:
During training, Manny Pacquiao suffered a right shoulder injury. Manny went to see world-class doctors, partners in the prestigious Kerlan Jobe Orthopedic Clinic, who performed tests and, in consultation with Manny, his promoter, and his advisors, concluded that with short rest, treatments, and close monitoring, Manny could train and, on May 2, step into the ring against Floyd Mayweather.
Manny’s advisors notified the United States Anti-Doping Agency (“USADA”) of the shoulder injury and the treatments being proposed by the doctors during training and on fight night. USADA spoke to Manny’s doctors twice, investigated, and confirmed in writing that the proposed treatments, if used, were completely allowed. The medication approved for fight night was a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (Toradol).
Manny continued to train and his shoulder improved, though not 100%. This is boxing, injuries happen, and Manny is a warrior. Again, in consultation with his doctors, promoter and advisors, Manny decided to proceed with the fight anticipating that he could receive his pre-fight treatment. That specific treatment had been approved by USADA in writing at least 5 days before the fight.
On his pre-fight medical form filled out earlier in the week, Manny’s advisors listed the medications that Manny used in training and the medications that might be used on fight night. A few hours before he was expected to step in the ring, when Manny’s doctors began the process, the Nevada Commission stopped the treatment because it said it was unaware of Manny’s shoulder injury.
This was disappointing to Team Pacquiao since they had disclosed the injury and treatment to USADA, USADA approved the treatments, and Manny had listed the medication on his pre-fight medical form.
Also, USADA had provided a copy of its contract with the fighters to the Commission. An hour before the fight, Manny’s advisors asked the Commission to reconsider and the director of USADA advised the Commission that USADA had approved the fight-night treatment, but the Commission denied the request.
With the advice of his doctors, Manny still decided to proceed with the fight. His shoulder wasn’t perfect but it had improved in training camp.
Retirement or a Rematch?
Pacquiao’s family has been clamoring for Pacman to retire. The Pambansang Kamao, however, says it will take about six months for the recovery and cannot give an immediate comment regarding boxing future.
Boxing fans comment that with the guaranteed paycheck of at least $100 Million from this mega-bout, Pacquiao can now retire comfortably.
Of course, conspiracy theorists say this is all part of a bigger script that will make the public clamor for and spend even more money on a rematch.
Pacquaio says he wants a rematch. Mayweather says he would want to fight against Pacquiao again after he recovers from surgery.
What do you think? Should Manny Pacquiao retire or should there be a rematch next year? Would you watch it again?
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Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos
