MANILA, Philippines - Eight-division world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao hit back at veteran sports analyst Ronnie Nathanielsz and other critics who thought he didn't deserve to win against rival Juan Manuel Marquez last November 12 in Las Vegas.
Nathanielsz and other analysts had said in various interviews that they believed Marquez won the trilogy bout, and had called on Pacquiao to "clean house."
Nathanielsz had also said that Pacquiao has too many distractions outside the ring preventing him from focusing on his boxing career.
In a press conference after his return to General Santos City, Pacquiao was asked regarding criticisms from boxing analysts.
"Although naintindihan ko sila... 'Yung isyu na 'yan ay nagsimula kay Ronnie Nathanielsz," Pacquiao said. "We know naman Ronnie Nathanielsz is not a real Filipino, adopted lang siya."
Nathanielsz was born in Sri Lanka and is a naturalized Filipino.
"Wala siyang dugong Pilipino, hindi natin masisisi siya kung anong paniniwala niya," Pacquiao said.
The boxer said he hopes real Filipinos support him the way Mexicans supported Marquez.
"Kung 'yung mga Meksikano nga, nagagalit sila pag talo 'yung kababayan nila, tayo naman, ganoon din sana tayo," Pacquiao said, adding that Filipinos should get rid of their "crab mentality."
Nathanielsz refused to comment on the issue.
Meantime, Pacquiao confirmed that negotiations are ongoing with the camp of unbeaten American Floyd Mayweather Jr. regarding a possible mega-fight.
"Ongoing ang negotiation sa fight namin ni Mayweather, hindi pa final (Negotiations are ongoing for my fight with Mayweather, but nothing is final)," Pacquiao said.
Pacquiao said Mayweather may be more eager to fight him now, after his fight against Marquez.