Boxing star Manny Pacquiao in Philippine hospital to treat mild ulcer and for rest

Boxer Manny Pacquiao in hospital with mild ulcer

MANILA, Philippines — World welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao was admitted to hospital to treat a mild stomach ulcer and allow him to rest after campaigning for the May 10 congressional elections.

Pacquiao’s chief of staff, Jayke Joson, said Monday that doctors discovered the 31-year-old boxer had an ulcer during a routine checkup Sunday and his family convinced him to stay in a suburban Manila hospital for a few days.

“Really, Manny can only rest if you confine him to a hospital,” Joson told The Associated Press, adding Pacquiao was receiving intravenous dextrose drips. “It’s been so intense a campaign, he missed some of his meals.”

Pacquiao’s boxing promoters are working toward a possible bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr., or another fighter, as early as November.

Pacquiao’s mother, Dionisia, told The AP her son was well and may be discharged from the hospital later Monday or Tuesday.

Pacquiao won a seat in the Philippine’s powerful House of Representatives, which he will assume on June 30. Aside from preparing to enter the political arena, Pacquiao is yet to complete advertisements for products ranging from food to sports items, Joson said.

Promoter Bob Arum has said he’ll soon start talking to Mayweather’s camp about putting together the world’s top two welterweights for a Nov. 13 bout in Las Vegas or Texas.

Arum said he hoped to match Pacquiao against former welterweight champion Antonio Margarito if talks with Mayweather fall through.