LOS ANGELES: Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, who lost a unanimous decision to Floyd Mayweather in their welterweight unification fight on Saturday, has a torn rotator cuff and will undergo shoulder surgery, ESPN reported on Monday.

Dr. Neal ElAttrache described the tear on Monday as “significant” and said Pacquiao could be out between nine and 12 months as long as his rehabilitation progresses well.

“We have an MRI scan that confirms he has a rotator cuff tear. He has a significant tear,” ElAttrache of the Kerlan Jobe Orthopedic Clinic told ESPN.

ElAttrache is one of the most respected surgeons in North America, having operated on New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke and Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant.

No specific date has been set for the surgery but it is expected to take place later this week.

Pacquiao and Mayweather met at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in one of the most anticipated showdowns in boxing history which is also the richest fight ever with revenues of about US400 million.

The southpaw Pacquiao clearly had difficulty with his right hand during the 12-round title fight as he landed just 18 jabs, compared to 67 for Mayweather.

The injury also limited Pacquiao’s power punches as he connected on just 27 percent compared to the defensively-minded Mayweather who connected on 48 percent.–AFP/nst