Pacquiao to skip Sona after win vs Keith Thurman

Manny Pacquiao reacts after defeating Keith Thurman by split decision in a welterweight title fight Saturday, July 20, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Manny Pacquiao will not be able to attend President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, his wife Jinkee said Sunday. 

In a text message shared to reporters, Jinkee said Pacquiao’s doctors advised the senator to return to the Philippines on Sunday night Las Vegas time, which is around Monday morning local time.

Jinkee added that her husband is also suffering from some pain in his eyes following his successful match against American boxer Keith Thurman. 

“Hindi na siya makakadalo sa Sona. Masakit ang mata now tsaka ‘di payag ang doctor. Makakauwi daw siya pede sa Sunday night pa,” Jinkee said. 

Asked if the senator is suffering from any other injuries aside from the pain in his eyes, Jinkee said: “Wala naman, mata lang.”

Before Pacquiao’s match, Senate President Tito Sotto said he received a message from the senator who hinted that they would be seeing each other on Monday. 

“Sabi nga niya ‘see you on Monday, boss’,” Sotto said, describing his conversation with Pacquiao over text message. 

Pacquiao won in a split decision against Thurman, who suffered his first defeat in his professional career. /je