Pacquiao saddened by doubts on WBC win

World Boxing Council super featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao confessed Monday that he was saddened that some Filipino boxing analysts still doubt that he rightfully won the belt in his fight against Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez last March 16 in Las Vegas.

"I feel saddened that some Filipinos still doubt my win, that they want it investigated. What kind of investigation is that? Congress or Senate?" Pacquiao said to cheers from the press.

His wife, Jinky, added: "They're just jealous."

Pacquiao said boxing analysts in the United States all scored the bout in his favor. He said the "crab mentality" of some Filipinos is spoiling his victory, which he rightfully earned after going toe-to-toe against Marquez for the full 12 rounds.

"We have copies of the judges' scorecards and there is no doubt that I won," he said.

He also questioned why there was no clamor for an investigation when his first fight against Marquez in 2004 ended in a draw.

Pacquiao thanked the crowd for the warm welcome he received at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. "My victory is our victory!" he said.

The WBC champ appeared before the media at around 6:50 a.m. and was greeted by his sons, Jemuel and Michael. He was carrying his daughter, Princess Divine Grace.

The boxing icon's biggest fan, former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson, and Environment Secretary Lito Atienza, were also at the airport to accompany Pacquiao.

Rematch

After his win, Filipino boxing analysts questioned Pacquiao's victory over Marquez and urged a third bout between the two pugilists to finally decide who is the better fighter.

Boxing analyst Ronnie Nathanielz said Pacquiao's knockdown of Marquez in the third round might have sealed the win for the General Santos lefty.

"Manny's victory was not convincing but the one that made the difference was the knockdown in the third round. After that, Marquez was very good," Nathanielz told ABS-CBN.

"Everybody wants a rematch. They want to really finish the unfinished business," he said.

Nathanielz said both Pacquiao-Marquez fights have been close. "Their first fight [in 2004] was really questionable, but I think Manny won the first fight."

Boxing analyst Ed Tolentino said Marquez did just enough to defend his WBC super featherweight belt from Pacquiao but conceded that Marquez played it safe, which cost him his crown.

"Unfortunately Marquez played it safe too much. He decided to settle in a particular mode. He thought, ‘I might as well box him because I’m already winning,'" he said.

IBF and IBO flyweight champion Nonito Donaire said he had Marquez ahead by one point.

“I have a lot of respect for Manny, you know. But I'm not sugarcoating something for somebody just to gain people's favor. I just scored it round by round not knowing who was winning the fight. And so I tallied the total till the end of the fight, and that's what I have, 114-113,” he said.

Pacquiao conceded that his latest fight with Marquez was one of the toughest in his career. He said he had to get 17 stitches after sustaining a cut on his right eyebrow.

He added, however, that the loud cheers of Filipinos inspired him to continue the fight.

He also revealed that he is open to a rematch with Marquez "if the price is right."

Earlier reports said Pacquiao's trainer, Freddy Roach, turned down a $6 million offer from Golden Boy Promotions for a rematch between Pacquiao and Marquez. “We made $5.5 million for this fight, we want more money than that... and if it's worth our while we will fight him right away,” said Roach.

Hero's welcome

Pacquiao said he will rest for a month before going back to training.

He is set to attend a thanksgiving mass at the Church of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila at 9 a.m. before paying a courtesy call on President Arroyo in Malacañang Palace at 2:30 p.m.
 
A motorcade will tour the boxer around Metro Manila on Tuesday. The motorcade is expected to pass through Quezon Avenue, España, A.H. Lacson, Tayuman, Sande, Moriones toward R-10 in Manila, Roxas Boulevard, T.M. Kalaw, Taft, Vito Cruz, F.B. Harrison toward Buendia, Ayala and finally Makati Avenue.

He is also set to receive Philippine boxing’s highest honor during the 8th Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Memorial Awards at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel Tuesday night. Pacquiao will be the first Filipino fighter to be enshrined into the Elorde Boxing Hall of Fame, an honor given to a fighter who has received the Boxer of the Year award for seven years.