Manny Pacquiao is contemplating retirement after a unanimous decision loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in "The Fight of the Century," in which Pacquiao revealed afterward he wasn't entirely healthy for. After the bout Pacquiao said he fought with an injured shoulder, and underwent surgery this week to repair a torn labrum.
Now, Pacquiao is saying retirement is on the table for him. "I will focus on healing my shoulder. After that, I will announce continuing my career or retirement. I'm not saying I am going to retire, but it's near. I'm already 36, turning 37 this December," Pacquiao said.
The Filipino hero is maintaining that despite his injury, he believes he won the fight on the strength of his aggression. Compubox numbers showed that Mayweather both threw more punches and landed more than Pacquiao did, but Pacquiao focused on Mayweather's defensive style. According to Pacquiao after the fight all Mayweather did was "move outside," while Pacquiao was the one trying to engage.
"I reviewed the fight and kept score. I won by two points, but a decision has been made and we have to accept it," Pacquiao said. He indicated a desire for a rematch as well.
"I [would] like that. I want that. But my focus right now is my shoulder, my work as a congressman and my family," Pacquiao said.
Mayweather has flip-flopped a few times already, but indications are that Mayweather will fight in September and finish his career. The leader of the pack to be his next opponent is Amir Khan, who is scheduled to face Chris Algieri on May 29 on Spike TV under the Premier Boxing Champions banner.
Keith "One-Time" Thurman is another option. He's a knockout artist who fought on the first PBC card on NBC.
[BBC]
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