Manny Pacquiao in CP Interview Responds to Investigation for Alleged Pre-Fight Perjury About Injury
Manny Pacquiao is enduring much more than any normal pounding in a boxing ring as he faces a series of legal and personal problems including: a pending investigation from the Nevada State Athletic Commission, fan lawsuits, his rival bashing him publicly and a shoulder surgery. However the Christian Filipino fighter declares he will not falter in his faith.
Pacquiao, the 36-year-old boxer and politician, lost in a unanimous decision to Floyd Mayweather Jr., 38, on May 2, and his team later revealed that he had been suffering from a shoulder injury that was aggravated early in the fight. Pacquiao underwent surgery to repair his torn rotator cuff last Wednesday, but a number of people were more concerned with filing lawsuits in the hope of a payout from the pugilist who they accused of committing fraud.
The fighter checked "no" to inquiries about an injury on a pre-fight questionnaire, which some pay-per-view and ticket buyers believe Pacquiao purposely did in an attempt to make millions in a fixed fight he was in no physical shape to win.
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Pacquiao opened up to The Christian Post amid the media fodder being fed to boxing fans and insisted his ultimate goal was not to win or lose a boxing match.
"My goal was to give God all the honor and glory no matter the outcome," Pacquiao told The Christian Post. "The devil does not like that and he will continue to do everything he can to take the attention off of the Lord."
Now, the attention is on Pacquiao as the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) and Nevada's Attorney General announced he would be investigated for commiting perjury after falsely filling out the NSAC "Pre-Fight Medical Questionnaire."
Aside from backlash from fans and potential legal issues with the pending NSAC investigation, Pacquiao has been the subject of verbal jabs from Mayweather who has been calling his most recent opponent a "coward" who is allegedly using an injury as an excuse for losing the fight. After engaging in a boxing match that was six years in the making, Pacquiao recognizes that he is currently in the middle of a different type of battle.
"Whenever God is glorified, the devil will fight," Pacquiao told CP.
It may take at least nine months for his shoulder to heal, but Pacquiao is actively using the time to focus on his spiritual well-being.
He told CP, "I keep meditating on the (Bible) verse Romans 8:28: 'And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.'"
Pacquiao's faith is much more important to him than any outcome of a boxing match or the world's view of him. He spoke to CP before the big fight about the type of legacy he would like to leave outside of the ring.
"I love my boxing, but I realize now that is not what my life is all about. I just want to encourage all those who are a Christian, to share their salvation experience to others," Pacquiao previously told CP. "I think that we could make an impact in this world. I'm not sure yet if I'm going to retire in 2016, but the legacy that I want to leave is to be a role model and an inspiration, not only the boxing fans, but to everyone around the world."
