Manny Pacquiao will have to wait a while to get back in the win column. But at least he’s on the right track.
The 36-year-old boxer underwent surgery in Los Angeles on Wednesday to repair what was reported as a “significant tear” in his right rotator cuff. Surgeon Neal ElAttrache, who performed the operation, said via ESPN.com that he could not be “more pleased” with the results.
ElAttrache said he expects Pacquiao won’t be ready to fight for another nine to 12 months.
Pacquiao fought through the injury in his May 2 superfight with Floyd Mayweather, who won the bout via via unanimous decision to capture boxing’s welterweight title. After the fight, Pacquiao confirmed to reporters he had been dealing with the shoulder injury for several weeks after hurting it in a sparring match.
That revelation could prove costly for the Filipino boxer, who apparently didn’t properly disclose his injury to the Nevada State Athletic Commission before the fight. His failure to reveal the injury also has resulted in a class action lawsuit filed against Top Rank and Pacquiao.
Once Pacquiao recovers, though, it appears the stage might be set for a rematch. Mayweather recently texted ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith claiming he’d be willing to fight Pacquiao again, and Top Rank promoter Bob Arum said Pacquiao likely would share those sentiments.
Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images
