Boxer Manny Pacquiao returned to the Philippines on Wednesday and brushed off questions about a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr.
“For now I don’t talk about it, about my next fight,” he said in an interview in Manila. “My focus is to recover and be OK.”
Pacquiao, a national hero in the Philippines, lost to Mayweather on May 2 for the World Boxing Organization welterweight title in Las Vegas. It was the biggest prizefight in years.
Pacquiao and his camp have suggested a right shoulder injury stopped the Filipino from executing his game plan. Pacquiao had surgery on his shoulder in the United States and wore an arm brace during the interview.
He said the operation went well and he needed to rest for six months.
“The doctor said I will recover 100%,” he said.
Mayweather didn’t think much of his opponent’s excuse for losing the fight, saying on Instagram: “19 years in the fight game and I’ve had one excuse: ‘Don’t have an excuse’. Winners win and losers have excuses.”
When asked about comments other people have made, Pacquiao said, “I don’t want to go down to their level.”
Pacquiao, 36, has served two terms in the legislature in the Philippines and may run next year for the Senate. His manager has suggested Pacquiao might run for president eventually.
The boxer said his wife doesn’t want him to run again for the legislature because it would take him away from the family so much. When asked if he dreamed about being president Pacquiao said, “Not in my mind.”
A parade will be held in Manila for Pacquiao.