ESPN reported Friday that the veteran boxer is at risk of suffering from early stages of Parkinson's disease.
According to BoxingScene.com, Pacquiao released a statement on Friday vehemently denying anything is wrong health-wise:
There is nothing to be worry about. I am 100% healthy and right now I'm enjoying a vacation with my family... I will return to the Philippines on January 14 and in early February I want to get to the gym because I want to have a fight in April and in September I want the fifth fight with Marquez.
Dr. Rustico Jimenez, president of the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, examined Pacquiao and offered his expert opinion:
Even though his reflexes are quick, I noticed the movement - it's just another view, my personal view - but it seems like there are early signs. There are some movements that you will notice with his hands. It's in the hands, and not the head, where you can easily see this. It twitches a little bit. Although I haven't seen it up close, I think I am seeing that there are some signs.The disease is something that has plagued boxers late into their career and continues to affect them throughout their lives.
Former heavyweight champ Muhammad Ali currently suffers from Parkinson's disease, as well as Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach.
His wife, Jinkee, was a major proponent of this mindset after seeing her husband hit the canvas face-first (via USA Today):
I want him to stop now. But he is the one who has the last say. Boxers risk their lives; (some) end up in wheelchairs.
With a medical professional now on her side, it might help sway the former champion to make a decision that would prevent further damage, i.e., RETIRE.
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Blogger note: It seems unlikely that the prospect of another massive payday will be ignored. There is too much money to be made and too many self-interested people are going to convince Manny that he has another epic battle in him and the reward outweighs the risk of personal injury. He will be praised and cajolled into protecting his place in the history of the sport of boxing, and so on ad nauseam.... ..............................................................................
Source:
Manny Pacquiao Gets Parkinson's Warning from Expert Neurologist | Bleacher Report
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1468630-manny-pacquiao-gets-parkinsons-warning-from-expert-neurologist
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