Fresh from his conquest of "Golden Boy" Oscar de la Hoya, Filipino boxing champ Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao will take a break before returning to the Philippines this Wednesday.
On his way back to Los Angeles from Las Vegas, Pacquiao said Monday morning he is due to arrive in Manila aboard a Philippine Airlines flight at 5 a.m. Wednesday.
"Bakasyon muna, darating ako riyan Wednesday (I'll have my vacation first, then I'll arrive there before dawn on Wednesday)," Pacquiao said in an interview on dzBB radio.
He said he plans to go to his home in General Santos City to celebrate his 30th birthday December 17.
He then thanked anew God and the Filipino people for his victory, to whom he dedicated his latest ring conquest.
"Nagpapasalamat ako taospuso sa mahal na Panginoon at nagpapasalamat ako sa buong sambayanang Pilipino sa pagdarasal nila. Narinig ang dasal natin. Ito ang karanagalang natamo ko di lang sa atin kundi para sa ating mga Pilipino, para sa ating bansa kahit saang sulok ng mundo lahat ho tayo mga Pilipino (I thank God and the Filipino people's prayers for this victory. Our prayers were answered. I dedicate this victory to God and the Filipino people)," he said.
On the other hand, Pacquiao declined to comment on his next opponent, saying it is too early to tell at this time.
"Masyado pang maaga, malayo pa naman (It's too early to tell, it's a long time before my next bout)," he said.
Pacquiao recalled thinking he had the fight in the bag as early as after the second round, when he controlled the tempo of the bout.
He said his coach Freddie Roach told him before the ninth round to "knock him out, finish him."
After the bout, Pacquiao recalled telling De La Hoya, "this is just work, nothing personal," to which De La Hoya replied, "you're the best, you're a great fighter, keep up the good work."
Pacquiao then told De La Hoya, "even if I beat you you're still my idol," but dela Hoya told him, "no, now you're my idol."
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