MANNY PACQUIAO has issued an emotional statement to his legion of fans following his loss to Yordenis Ugas.
The pride of the Philippines suffered a unanimous decision defeat to the WBA welterweight champion in Las Vegas last Sunday in his long-awaited return to the ring.
Father Time appeared to have finally caught up with the 42-year-old as he was outclassed by the Cuban from the second round onwards.
A crestfallen Pacman wrote on Instagram: “I want to thank God for giving me the strength to fight.
“I thank my family for always standing beside me. I wish to congratulate Ugas and his team.
“Although, I hoped for a different outcome, I wish him the best.
“Thank you to the fans all around the world who were watching.
“Thank you to every Filipino that has ever supported me. I’m so proud to represent my country.
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“I’m sorry I could not give you a win, but I did my very best.
“From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! God bless you all! Mabuhay.”
Eight-weight world champion Pacquiao is refusing to make any hasty decisions on his future but admits his defeat to Ugas could end up being his final foray to the ring.
In the post-fight press conference, he said: “In the future, you may not see Manny Pacquiao fight again in the ring.
“I don’t know. But for how many decades, I’m so happy with what I’ve done in boxing.
“I contribute a record in boxing also and to make boxing the top.
“And especially bring honour to my country and the Filipino people.
“I’m so proud to be a Filipino and thankful to all the fans all over the world.”
Pacquiao attributed his eighth professional loss to his legs cramping but was quick to give props to Olympic silver medallist Ugas.
The Filipino said: “I did my best tonight, but my best wasn’t good enough.
“No excuses. I wanted to fight for the title tonight in the ring.
“And tonight, the champion’s name is Ugas.”
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