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Boxing idol Manny Pacquiao is returning to the Philippines despite a request from Manila that he delay his hero's return as a precaution against the spread of the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, from the United States, his spokesman told CNN Wednesday.

Pacquiao, often considered the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, cemented his reputation Saturday night when he knocked out British boxer Ricky Hatton in the second round of a match in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Pacquiao's spokesman, Joe Ramos, said that the boxer was boarding a plane in Los Angeles for the trip back to the Philippines, where he is expected to land at about 5 a.m. Friday (5 p.m. ET Thursday). Read full article »

CNN's Saeed Ahmed contributed to this report.

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