Don't rush back into boxing, Erap urges Pacquiao

Erap tells Pacquiao: Be wary of 'friends'

MANILA, Philippines – Former President Joseph Estrada has advised fighting congressman Manny Pacquiao to stay healthy by postponing his ring return.

Estrada said Pacquiao is sincere in his quest to help the poor, but said the Sarangani congressman can only continue his advocacy if he remains healthy.

“Napakarami pang gustong gawin si Manny as a public servant. (He wants to accomplish much as a public servant) I can feel that through his body language,” the former president told Philboxing’s Eddie Alinea.

Pacquiao succumbed to a 6th-round knockout defeat at the hands of Juan Manuel Marquez last December.

The boxing superstar is already itching to fight again this April against the wishes of his boxing coach Freddie Roach. 

Estrada echoed Roach’s sentiments and urged the Filipino not to hurry his way back into the ring.

“Huwag siyang magmadaling lumabang muli para iganti ang kanyang pagkatalo. (He should not be in a hurry to fight again to avenge his loss.) There are still many fights before he decides eventually hand his gloves,” said the former President.

“What I can only advise him now is for him to stay healthy. Magagawa lamang lahat ng advocacy mo kung mananatili kang malusong ka at malakas ang pangangatawan. Kahit wala ka na sa boksing, matutupad mo lahat (You can fulfill all your advocacies if you remain fit and healthy. You can still do whatever you want even after boxing).”

Estrada also warned Pacquiao from heeding the request of his so-called “friends.”

He said there may be some people in Pacquiao’s camp who are pushing the boxer to fight for the sake of money.

“As I said, Manny should choose those who to listen to from among his many so-called friends and allies,” he said.

“Losing via knockout is one of the worst things that can happen to a boxer. At mas masakit ang matalong muli pagkatapos ma-KO. Huwag naman sana nilang gawin ang ganoon sa kanya para lamang kumita (It’s even more painful to lose after a knockout. I hope they don’t force him to fight because of money),” added Estrada.