As it turned out, boxing's first family took Manny Pacquiao's shock setback better than the rest of the nation.
Jinkee Pacquiao was a picture of composure after the fight, expressing surprise over the judges' decision handing the victory to American Timothy Bradley but staying calm through it all.
"Lahat nito, it's God's will. But deep in our hearts we know who won," said the vanquished champion's lovely wife. "At ang importante, safe [si Manny].
"Tinanong ko s'ya after the fight kung nasaktan s'ya, hindi naman daw."
Even Pacquiao's children, specifically his boys Emmanuel and Michael who watched their dad fight from ringside for the first time, seemed the least bit affected by the controversial ending.
"Sila pa nga ang nagko-comfort sa akin pagkatapos ng laban. Sinasabi, 'Don't worry, mommy, he still won, right'?" Jinkee said. "So tingin ko, okay naman sila."
Jinkee, who will stay in the United States along with the children for another month for a vacation, said she will support her husband if he decides to fight a rematch with Bradley.
"Susuportahan ko pa rin s'ya," she said.
Pacquiao's mom, Aling Dionisia, was also in an upbeat mood after the fight as she denied initial reports that she had fainted in her home because of the shock over the champion's defeat.
"Medyo nahilo ako dahil ang init 'dun sa kuwarto," said Aling Dionisia, who had spent the duration of the fight deep in prayer inside one of the rooms in her General Santos house.
But Pacmom made the assurance that she will fly to Vegas if a rematch takes place.
"Ayaw ko na sana s'yang lumaban uli pero kung rematch [against Bradley] sasama na ako sa Las Vegas at uupo sa tabi ng mga scorers," she said.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
