Pacquiao back in Manila

MANILA, Philippins—Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao arrived in Manila Monday morning from the United States, where the family spent the holidays.

Pacquiao and his three children, Jemuel, Michael and Princess, arrived from Los Angeles, California on board Philippine Air Lines flight PR-103 at 5 a.m. at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2.

Pacquiao said his wife Jinkee stayed behind because a doctor had warned that the eardrums of their newborn, Queen Elizabeth, may be harmed during the flight.

“The doctor told us to wait 15 days so that her eardrums would be more developed. They will arrive maybe on the 18th,” he said.

Queen Elizabeth was born on December 31 in the United States.

Later in the morning, the Pacquiaos boarded a plane bound for their native General Santos City.

In a brief interview with reporters, Pacquiao said the family spent a “quiet Christmas” in the United States, adding that they all missed the Philippine-style holiday celebration.

“It's cold and quiet there, but I was happy because I was with all of them and this rarely happens. We went around as a family, visited places and we were happy,” he said.

Asked about his immediate plans, Pacquiao said he would continue his studies at the Notre Dame University where he is enrolled in a business administration course.

He also said his planned fight with British boxer Ricky Hatton has not been finalized.

The Los Angeles Times reported last week that the Pacquiao-Hatton match would be on May 2 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao's manager Bob Arum even hinted at an even split in earnings between his client and Hatton, according to the daily.

However, a television report on Monday said the fight contract has not been signed because of a disagreement on the sharing of the proceeds.

The news report quoted the boxer’s lawyer, Franklin Gacal, who said Pacquiao wants a 60-percent share.

“We have informed Bob Arum that we are not signing the contract. Manny is not content with what was laid on the table. If the figures won't move, we will look for another [challenger],” Gacal told ABS-CBN.

Source: inquirer.net