Manny Pacquiao is unlikely to enter the boxing ring for nine to 12 months after being told that he needs to undergo surgery on his shoulder.
The Filipino fighter revealed that he was suffering with the injury during his fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
The undefeated American extended his record to 48-0 after winning a unanimous decision on points against Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
There were suggestions of a rematch as Mayweather intends to fight one more time in September before retiring, but that notion has been wiped out after it was confirmed that Pacquiao requires surgery.
"We have an MRI scan that confirms he has a rotator cuff tear," orthopaedic surgeon Neal ElAttrache told ESPN. "He has a significant tear."
Reports have claimed that the 36-year-old could face a fine or suspension for failing to declare his shoulder injury prior to the showdown.
Danielle Joynson
