Advertisement

Manny Pacquiao’s mom blames knockout on his change of religion

Juan Manuel Marquez, left, begins to celebrate as referee Kenny Bayless calls Manny Pacquiao down for the count in the sixth round.
(Julie Jacobson / Associated Press)
Share via

Fans of Manny Pacquiao have been searching for explanations since he was knocked out in the sixth round of his fight against Juan Manuel Marquez on Saturday. Is he slowing down? Not the fighter he used to be? Got caught by a lucky punch?

Well, Pacquiao’s mother, Dionisia, has an explanation.

“That’s what he gets for changing his religion,” she told Yahoo Sports Philippines. “Since the Protestant pastors came into his life, he has not focused on his boxing.

Manny Pacquiao, who was previously Catholic, used to carry a rosary when entering the ring before becoming a Protestant in January. Since then, he has lost to Marquez and Tim Bradley.

Advertisement

“Why did they take my son?” Dionisia said, noting that her son “was a champion when he belonged to his former religion.”

ALSO:

Photos: Pacquiao vs. Marquez 4

Discussion: What’s next for Manny Pacquiao

Watch Juan Manuel Marquez knock out Manny Pacquiao

Advertisement