Pacquiao to Hatton: Don't think of retirement

MANILA, Philippines – Despite the vicious loss suffered by Ricky Hatton in his hands, Manny Pacquiao doesn’t think this should be the perfect time for him to retire. Hatton is still at his prime and remains as one of the strongest contenders at the junior welterweight class, according to the Pacman, who is set to return home Friday morning in Manila. “Puwede pa naman siyang luamaban. 30 pa lang naman siya e. He’s strong and a very tough fighter." Pacquiao so far is the lone voice to suggest that Hatton continues to fight notwithstanding the second round destruction the Filipino administered to the Manchester, England native. Hatton’s trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr., Freddie Roach and even his dad Ray, are among those who called on the “Hitman" to finally hang up his gloves for good in the wake of his loss to Pacquiao. The 30-year old Englishman has a record of 45-2 with 32 KOs, although his setback against Pacquiao was his first as a junior welterweight. His other loss against Floyd Mayweather Jr. came at the welterweight division. Pacquiao and his entourage arrives Friday at the NAIA Terminal 2 from Los Angeles via Philippine Airlines flight PR 103 despite being advised by Philippine health officials for them to undergo self-quarantine in Los Angeles in order to prevent the spread of the swine-flu pandemic. The boxing star said none among his immediate family members and friends had been afflicted by the virus that has spread in certain US states such as Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, South Carolina and Texas. Arriving with Pacquiao are his wife Jinkee and mother Dionisia, although some key members of his team including chief of staff Jake Joson and long-time friend and fight flag bearer Cris Aquino already arrived in the Philippines. “Kung healthy ka naman, bakit kailangan kang i-quarantine," said Pacquiao, who added that both his suite at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas and his Palazzo apartment in Los Angeles had observed safety precautions in order not to acquire or spread the swine flu virus. Following a recommendation made by the World Health Organization (WHO), Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III urged Pacquiao and his entourage to observe self-quarantine for at least five days before returning home to the country. Duque made the suggestion in the wake of a WHO report that a swine flu case had been reported in Los Angeles. Unlike his previous arrivals when he had to settle for a long day , Pacquiao will have time to rest Friday as his victory parade around Manila was postponed for next week, while his scheduled meeting with President Arroyo has also been moved to Monday, according to executive secretary Eduardo Ermita. – GMANews.TV