Manny Pacquiao Dismisses Criticism from Promoter Bob Arum About Shoulder Injury

Manny Pacquiao isn't concerned by the criticism of Top Rank promotions chief Bob Arum, who previously suggested the Filipino fighter acted unprofessionally when cancelling a doctor's meeting along his route to recovery from the shoulder injury suffered during the loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Pacquiao remained as diplomatic as ever when discussing Arum's frustration, as reported by the Agence France-Presse (h/t Yahoo): 

"I respect Bob Arum," noted Pacquiao in an official statement. "He's just like a father to me. I believe he's just voicing out his concern (for) me and I appreciate it. I don't take it negatively. But he has nothing to worry about (regarding) my injury. I'm doing the rehab myself. I'm recovering faster than expected."

John Locher/Associated Press

BoxingInsider.com previously tweeted Arum's comments after Manny missed his consultation with surgeon Neal ElAttrache at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles on July 4:

Pacquiao suffered a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder during his unanimous points loss to Mayweather on May 2, a fight in which the American dominated from start to finish.

Like so many before him, Manny was unable to get close to Floyd's guard and found it impossible to do significant damage with power shots, rendering his game plan nonexistent.

"When you have an operation like that you've got to get into rehab," said Arum, Pacquiao's promoter, per Yahoo. "You've got to get the doctor to look at it and to guide you as to the kind of rehab that you've got to do." Pacquiao hasn't confirmed he is using the services of another doctor or professional, but he expects to return to the ring in 2016.

John Locher/Associated Press

"I'm ready to fight, next year. I'm fine," Pacquiao told Viva.co.id (h/t Sky Sports).

His injury all but ensures there won't be a rematch with Mayweather. Pretty Boy's final career bout is set for September, although he is yet to announce an opponent.

Boxing casuals aren't going to bemoan the duo's saga ending at one fight—the MGM Grand showdown wasn't the most entertaining contest for those who wanted to see big punches and knockdowns—but Pacquiao needs to pick his next opponent carefully.

Timothy Bradley Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez have also beaten him in the last three years. Pacquiao hasn't knocked anyone out since Ricky Hatton in 2009 and has lost some of the explosiveness that made him such a star.

We witnessed this against Mayweather, whose dominance of the 36-year-old will give others confidence Manny's arsenal is no longer what it once was. Pacquiao's injury adds to this.

Uncredited/Associated Press

As noted by Yahoo's report, Pacquiao has been spotted working on an Indonesian television advert and visiting a clemency-seeking prisoner on death row since he cancelled the doctor's check. Arum's irritation stems from the fighter not appearing to prioritise the sport that made him famous.

While Pacquiao appears sure of his recovery and future in boxing, even his most ardent fans will begin to question his focus at this point, especially after such a poor performance against Mayweather.