Their hometown hero may be nursing his wounds, but Manny Pacquiao fans in the Philippines are already calling for a rematch.
"We are not satisfied," said Gel Bucani, 19, a Manila shopkeeper. "Rematch!" she added.
"For all of us Filipinos it's disappointing. He did everything, but nothing happened," said Mike Camenza, 23, who insisted he was still proud of the Philippines' most famous son.
Love for the "Pacman" runs deep here, even after his loss to American Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas.
The country's President, Benigno Aquino III, issued a statement Monday via his press spokesman thanking "Pacman" for his efforts.
"Filipinos can hold their heads up high... Pacquiao did us all proud when he stood his ground against one of the best boxers of our time, Floyd Mayweather," said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr.
Coloma said the President also thanked Pacquiao "for serving as an inspiration to every Filipino in overcoming the daily challenges in the pursuit of a better life and future.
"He is a worthy exemplar that the Filipino is able to compete in the global arena -- for as long as there is a level playing field."
The statement also appeared to suggest it was time for Pacquiao to hang up his gloves.
"Hopefully, Manny may now be able to devote more time with his family and that he is able to maintain good health that will serve him in good stead in all his future endeavors."
<<Print>>