Pacquiao reveals some of his plans

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao was in high spirits and obviously in a good mood when he faced a bevy mix of sports and entertainment writers for a brief press conference at the GMA Network Center. The usual media circus that greets Pacquiao's return started when he arrived in Manila at 4:43 a.m. via Philippine Airlines flight 143. His entourage then went straight to Renaissance Hotel in Makati City to eat breakfast and for a quick rest. After that, Pacquiao went straight to Quiapo church in Manila to attend a thanksgiving mass for beating Oscar De La Hoya in their "Dream Match" then made a courtesy call to President Arroyo in Malacañang. The lack of sleep and jetlag after a 12-hour flight from Los Angeles to Manila could never be seen as Pacquiao answered questions from politics, his fight against Oscar De La Hoya, his possible next opponent and his plans for a movie comeback. Asked whether he has political plans in 2010, Pacquiao said, in a mix of Filipino and English, he would not rather talk about the issue this early. “I don’t want to talk about it. I just want to enjoy my win and for making the country proud again." He added that the Philippines should emulate other countries that are focused in improving their economy. “I call on my countrymen to unite for the betterment of our country." “The election would not happen tomorrow or next year. Here in our country even though there is no election everyone is talking about politics," added Pacquiao, who said that his birthday wish would be that the Filipinos unite and have a deep personal relationship with God. Beating De La Hoya earned Pacquiao a page in the sports record books. After all he is the only boxer – Filipino and Asian – that fought three matches in three different weight divisions in one year. He plans to fight twice in 2009 with the first one taking place in June next year. But who is his next opponent remains a question. “I am a boxer and just fight whoever my promoter lines up for me." Ricky Hatton and the retired Floyd Mayweather Jr. want a shot against Pacman so does Juan Manuel Marquez, who wants a rematch after losing to Pacquiao on March 15 during their WBC Superfeatherweight title bout. Pacquiao said he sees to retire by 2010. “I am also nearing retirement. I don’t want to wait the day that boxing would affect my health and I would get sick since boxing is a very physical sport. Even my mother wants me to stop fighting next year." He said that his hard training, coupled with his confidence and complete trust in God helped him in his demolition of the 10-time world champion De La Hoya, known as the Golden Boy. “I am confident of winning but I did not expect the result would turn out that way. I just focused and follow our game plan. Also, without God’s help I could have not won that match so I am really thankful for the Lord’s help." Pacquiao will be celebrating his 30th birthday in General Santos City where another hero’s welcome awaits him. He will then fly back to Los Angeles next week along with his three other kids to be reunited with wife Jinky. The Pacquiaos will celebrate the holidays in Los Angeles until Jinky gives birth next month to another girl. Asked what will be the new baby girl’s name, Pacquiao answered Queen Elizabeth. – GMANews.TV