Pacquiao not saying if Hatton's next
Date: 2008-12-14 11:00:00
Source: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM...
Submitted By: Boxing Dump
MANILA (AFP) — Philippine boxing hero Manny Pacquiao has refused to be drawn on whether he would take on Ricky "Hitman" Hatton next after demolishing Oscar De La Hoya at the weekend. Pacquiao pounded De La Hoya into likely retirement in Las Vegas on Sunday, setting up what could be a mega-bucks payday with Hatton -- who was sitting ringside and said he wanted to fight the winner. "My job is to train and fight," Pacquiao said on returning to his homeland Wednesday. "I will leave that with the promoters." The 29-year-old, already the stuff of legend for his rise from poverty to the pinnacle of the sport, cemented his place in the hearts of Filipinos with his demolition of De La Hoya, who received the worst beating of his career. Pacquiao's record improved to 48-3 with two draws. "This win is a win for all of us," he told a throng of fans who were up before dawn waiting at Manila airport for his return. "I thank your for your prayers -- and without the Lord this would not have happened." He later attended mass at a Manila church and then went to Malacanang Palace to meet President Gloria Arroyo.
