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Mayweather Pacquiao Boxing
Trainer Freddie Roach, left, listens as Manny Pacquiao answers reporter questions during a press conference following his welterweight title fight on Saturday, May 2, 2015 in Las Vegas. Floyd Mayweather defeated Pacquiao in a unanimous decision. JOHN LOCHER — AP Photo
APTOPIX Mayweather Pacquiao Boxing
Mayweather Pacquiao Boxing
Mayweather Pacquiao Boxing
LAS VEGAS — Manny Pacquiao said a right shoulder injury prevented him from fighting at his best in his loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Nevada officials also denied Pacquiao's request to take an anti-inflammatory shot in his dressing room before the fight Saturday night. The chairman of the Nevada Athletic Commission said the ruling was Pacquiao's fault for not mentioning his injury sooner.
Pacquiao, trainer Freddie Roach and promoter Bob Arum were vague on the details of the injury, but confirmed that they considered postponing the bout a few weeks ago.
"I thought he fought a courageous fight under all the circumstances, and I'm very proud of what he accomplished tonight," Arum said.
Pacquiao got hurt some time after mid-March, and Arum said the injury was "the same as the one Kobe Bryant had."
Bryant tore his rotator cuff in January, ending his season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Arum didn't make it clear whether that was the injury he was referencing, but said Pacquiao consulted the same doctor that treated Bryant.
Arum said Pacquiao's camp thought he would be allowed to have an anti-inflammatory shot because he had similar treatment during training. The shots also had been approved by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.
But Arum said Top Rank filed incorrect paperwork about the injury, and the Nevada commission ruled against the request for a shot.
Pacquiao's camp apparently hoped the fighter could compete without the shot. Despite Pacquiao's limitations, Arum said he didn't regret putting Pacquiao into the fight at less than full strength.
Mayweather concurred with his former promoter, noting that he fought with injuries to both of his arms and hands.
The post-fight disclosure of Pacquiao's injury adds a legitimate angle to discussion of a rematch.
Pacquiao demonstrably fought with only a portion of his usual punch output, and his inability to use his right hand consistently made it easier for Mayweather to control the fight.
Roach was proud of his fighter's persistence through injury, but frustrated with Pacquiao's ability to implement his game plan, particularly his inability to throw a right hook.
"It was a very close fight," Roach said. "We'd love to do it again, but hopefully that's in the future."
Read more here: //www.ledger-enquirer.com/2015/05/03/3700753/pacquiao-says-shoulder-injury.html#storylink=cpy [Click Here To Read More]
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