By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Manny Pacquiao, the reigning pound-for-pound king is scheduled to return home Monday morning and plans to begin training on September 20 for what he says will be “the toughest fight” of his career in recent years.

The “Fighter of the Decade” who has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest fighters if not the greatest of all-time by winning –seven world titles in seven different weight divisions has conceded that his bid to win an eighth title in the super welterweight division is the hardest because Antonio Margarito is a much taller, bigger and strong opponent.

Pacquiao at the same time indicated he knows that many Filipinos and even international boxing fans and respected writers are upset and angry over the vicious racial slurs and filthy language used by Floyd Mayweather Jr in a tirade against Pacquiao but refused to respond in like manner.

All Pacquiao did was to thank Mayweather for helping to promote the November 13 showdown with Margarito at the Dallas Cowboys stadium by his verbal ranting.

Pacquiao who, according to his conditioning expert Alex Ariza looked surprisingly good when he arrived in Los Angeles for the three-city promotional tour said he plans to be here on September 13 which is one week before Pacquiao’s training camp opens with celebrated trainer Freddie Roach in charge.

Ariza told BoxingScene.com and the Inquirer that he expects Pacquiao to begin his conditioning training even before the  camp opens so that when Roach arrives they could step up the regimen.

Both Roach and Ariza as well as Pacquiao wish to train in Baguio City where he trained for the Miguel Cotto welterweight title fight last November which Pacquiao won by a 12th round TKO.

Pacquiao earlier explained to Top Rank promoter Bob Arum that he regretted he couldn’t stay behind to attend the funeral rites for his 49 year old lawyer, environmentalist and mountaineering son John who died in a tragic accident on the treacherous slopes of the Cascade Mountains in Washington State. Pacquiao told Arum his congressional duties and his responsibility to his Sarangani constituents were important.

Instead, Pacquiao assigned the task of representing him at the funeral and speaking on his behalf to adviser Michael Koncz who will attend the Las Vegas rites before returning to Manila.

The Arum family meantime issued a statement thanking all those who shared their grief and condoled with them over the death of John Arum. The statement said in part “John was a very special person.  A wonderful husband, son, brother and friend, John meant so much, to so many.  He was so loved and we miss him already. “

The statement went on “First, we would like to thank the National Park Service, Chelan Mountain Rescue, Stehekin Community and the King County Sheriff’s Office for its tireless efforts in conducting aerial and ground searches over steep and difficult terrain throughout the week.  They refused to give up on their search for John despite the conditions and they were a constant source of comfort and information to us.  Their dedication to their mission was awe-inspiring and we will remember them for that forever.

And to everyone from around the world who has reached out to us with prayers and messages of support, please know you have helped sustain us during this most difficult time. You have touched our souls. “