Dionisia Pacquiao: I don’t want Manny to fight anymore

MANILA, Philippines – If the rest of the world is jumping with excitement for the upcoming Manny Pacquiao versus Floyd Mayweather Jr. bout on May 2, at least one person isn’t.

Pacquiao’s mother Dionisia admitted she is not too keen about her son getting back into the ring again.

“Ang anak ko hindi manok, tao siya. Pero sa kalagayan niya, sa akin, ayoko na ata lumaban ang anak ko. Tama na. Stop na siya. Gusto ko stop na siya,” the 65-year old said in an interview with ABS-CBN.

(My son is not a rooster to bet on, he’s a person. But in his position this time, for me, I don’t want my son to fight anymore. Enough already. He should stop. I want him to stop.)

She said she was hoping Pacquiao wouldn’t have to fight anymore, but the opportunity presented itself with Mayweather. And this opportunity, where a win could cement Pacquiao’s boxing legacy forever, is not one he can just pass up.

“Pero hinamon pa man siya. Yan man kagustuhan (niya). Suporta lang ako hanggang saan siya sa dulo, suporta lang akong nanay,” she said. (But he was challenged. That’s what he wants. I will just support him in how far he goes and until the end, I will just be a supportive mother.)

As a mother, it’s understandable where Mommy Dionisia is coming from with her 8-division world boxing champion of a son already at 36 years old and way past his prime.

Pacquiao will be facing a 38-year old Mayweather who, despite his age, is a very dangerous opponent with an undefeated record of 47 wins and 26 knockouts.

(RELATED: What it could look like when Pacquiao or Mayweather win)

But Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs) is looking forward to extending his career even after Mayweather, which is in contrast to a previous interview also with ABS-CBN where he hinted an announcement on his retirement could come soon.

“I want to continue,” he said. “Gusto ko pa naman dahil kumbaga paano na lang pag wala na? Eh di paghinto ko malungkot na tayong mga Pilipino.”

(I still want to box because what happens if I don’t? If I stop, us Filipinos will be sad.)

The rest of Pacquiao’s family is certainly excited for him.

Wife Jinkee promises to be by her husband’s side all throughout and help make sure he sticks to his regimen. 

“Matutulog on time, magigising on time,” Jinkee shared what she will be keeping track of. “Tsaka nandiyan lang ako palagi pag kailangan ako, nandiyan lang ako sa tabi niya.”

(Sleep on time and wake up on time. And I’ll always be here for him when he needs me, I will be right beside him.)

Three of Pacquiao’s 5 children also expressed their support, cheering their father on with son Michael hoping for a knockout.

‘I’m not worried’

The former pound-for-pound champion, who has already started his training camp, assured he will thoroughly prepare for Mayweather, a defensive fighter who is taller and has a longer reach than Pacquiao. 

But the Filipino boxer is not worried about Mayweather’s advantages, trusting that proper training will make him ready. (READ: Hatton gives Mayweather ‘slight edge’ to win over Pacquiao)

“Hindi ako nababahala diyan. Although matangkad siya and mahaba ang reach niya,” Pacquiao said confidently.

“Hindi naman first time na lumaban ako ng mahaba and matangkad. Sanay ako maghanda, mag-prepare para sa mga ganoong opponent. I think it depends how he uses his advantage in the ring.”

(I’m not worried about it [Mayweather’s advantages]. Although he is tall and has longer reach. It’s not the first time that I will fight someone with longer reach and who’s taller than I am. I’m used to getting ready and preparing for that kind of opponent.)

Pacquiao also said he will focus on the American boxer’s infamous evasive tactics. (READ: Get to know Floyd Mayweather)

“Yan ang pagtutuunan natin ng pansin sa training. Mag-focus tayo sa magiging style niya, yung gagawin niyang mga strategy na hindi maganda,” Pacquiao explained when asked how he would prepare himself for any dirty tactics.

“Paghahandaan natin mabuti yan kaya this time tayo nag-start ng training officially dahil gusto ko masigurado lahat na wala tayong pagkukulang.” 

(That’s what I will focus on in training. We will focus on his style, and any unpleasant strategies he might come up with. We will thoroughly prepare for all of it, that’s why this time training officially started early because I want to make sure we cover every little detail.)

Pacquiao and Mayweather will finally determine who between them is the true greatest fighter of their generetion after 5 years of difficult negotiations.

The fight will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. – Rappler.com