Pacquiao says his retirement ‘near’

Boxing icon, Manny Pacquiao, on Wednesday said his retirement from the ring is drawing near as he made a low-key return to the Philippines over a week after losing his hyped up bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Few signs of Pacquiao’s early-morning arrival were visible at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, but he was later welcomed by modest crowds as he paraded at the nation’s capital on the back of a flatbed truck.
Politicians, including deposed President and now Manila Mayor, Joseph Estrada, jostled for position to be within camera frame with Pacquiao as he went on the motorcade around Manila, where autographed T-shirts and CDs of Pacquiao’s songs were flung to waiting fans.
Pacquiao later called on President Benigno Aquino 3rd in Malacañang where his motorcade ended late in the afternoon.
The President was joined by Communications Secretary, Herminio Coloma Jr. during the courtesy call at the Palace. Also present were Solar Sports president Wilson Tieng and Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz.
In a statement, Coloma said the President and Pacquiao talked about the boxer’s injury during their 30-minute meeting.
“He (Pacquiao) said he felt pain in his right shoulder in the final seconds of the third round and that this injury hampered his movement for the rest of the fight,” he added.
Pacquiao also told the President about his intention to take some time to rest and let his shoulder injury heal.
Aquino congratulated and thanked Pacquiao “for bringing honour to the country by fighting with courage and skill.”
The President received two black jackets from Pacquiao.