Pacquiao to typhoon-hit Phl: We rise again

MANILA, Philippines - Eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao thanked his countrymen for their support during his comeback fight on Sunday as millions of Filipinos are still trying to rise again from the devastation brought by Super Typhoon "Yolanda."

"Salamat sa inyong walang sawang suporta. At ito: we rise again. Bangon Pilipinas!" Pacquiao said in an interview with ANC's Headstart on Monday.

After nearly a year of absence from the ring following a stunning knockout defeat from rival Juan Manuel Marquez, Pacquiao successfully made a return with an impressive unanimous decision victory over Brandon Rios.

With the comeback victory, the fighting pride of the Philippines took the WBO international welterweight title after dominating the entire bout at the Cotai Arena of the Venetian Macao.

Related stories: Comeback kid Pacquiao overwhelms Rios in Macau | Rios thrown off rhythm by Manny

Despite the beating received by Rios, the Filipino champion still praised his opponent for his toughness.

"Bilib ako sa tibay niya. Ang dami ko talagang powerpunches na tumama sa mukha niya," he said. "Alam ko nasakatan siya pero magaling siyang magdala... kahit na nasaktan siya pero hindi lang nagpapahalata."

Pacquiao also admitted that he was hurt in one round by Rios' left hook.

"Biglang maraming star," Pacquiao said in jest.

Pacquiao said he is still happy with his performance despite failing to knock out Rios.

"In one year na hindi ako napalaban, hindi nawala 'yung galaw natin," he said. "Kaya ko pa."

Pacman to visit Tacloban City

After his win on Sunday, Pacquiao said he has yet to finalize the details of his visit to Tacloban City, Leyte, one of the hardest-hit areas by Yolanda.

The super typhoon slammed into the central Philippines earlier this month, killing over 5,000 people and affecting about 10 million.

Yolanda, the strongest typhoon to hit the country this year and one of the most powerful to be recorded, devastated several areas in Eastern Visayas after leveling communities with its tsunami-like storm surges.

But while they are still reeling from the tragedy, thousands of typhoon survivors cheered for Pacquiao on Sunday.

Read: Typhoon survivors cheer Pacquiao triumph | Pacquiao prepares for Tacloban visit

Pacquiao has vowed to help the victims of Yolanda after once again giving honor to the Philippines with his latest victory.

"Masaya ako kasi habit na eh. Habit na na makapagbigay ka ng karangalan sa buong bansa at 'yung makita mo na masaya ang mga tao," said Pacquiao, also a district representative of Saranggani province.

As to his next fight, the Filipino champion said he has yet to talk with his promoter, Top Rank's Bob Arum.

And regarding the much-awaited match against undefeated American boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Pacquiao said: "Dapat lumaban na siya, matagal na. 'Yung mga tao naghihintay na sa kanya."