Boxing: Pacquiao's shoulder surgery a success, full recovery expected

Manny Pacquiao points to his right shoulder during the post-fight news conference after losing to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in their welterweight unification championship bout on May 2, 2015 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. -- PHOTO: AFP
Manny Pacquiao points to his right shoulder during the post-fight news conference after losing to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in their welterweight unification championship bout on May 2, 2015 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. -- PHOTO: AFP

LOS ANGELES (REUTERS) - Manny Pacquiao underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder on Wednesday, just days after his loss to Floyd Mayweather in the the so-called "Fight of the Century".

Surgeon Neal ElAttrache, who performed the operation to repair a torn rotator cuff, said he could "not be more pleased with the results" and expects Pacquiao to recover fully.

Pacquiao, the former eight-division world champion, lost a unanimous decision to Mayweather in Las Vegas last weekend in the richest prize fight in boxing history.

The Filipino southpaw entered the fight with a shoulder injury that was suffered during preparation for the bout. The Nevada State Athletic Commission could fine or suspend Pacquiao for failing to disclose the injury. The non disclosure could also lead to possible lawsuits from boxing fans who may feel cheated after paying record sums for tickets in the MGM Grand Garden Arena or pay-for-view (PPV).

Some of the ringside spots in the 16,800-seat arena demanded up to US$350,000 (S$463,000) on resale site StubHub, while a record US$300 million or more is expected in PPV revenue.

Talks over a potential rematch between Mayweather (48-0) and Pacquiao (57-6-2), once his health resumes, have already began, according to media reports.

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