Health officials in the Philippines have asked their country's star boxer to delay his return from Las Vegas as a precaution against swine flu.

Manny Pacquiao was supposed to return to his Philippine home on Friday, following his second round knockout victory against Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas.

However Philippine Health Secretary Francisco Duque urged the champion to postpone his flight.

The health secretary told reporters he wanted Mr Pacquiao to delay his triumphant return to the Philippines until at least next Tuesday.

Mr Duque explained that it takes about five days for swine flu symptoms to appear, and he hoped Mr Pacquiao and his team would impose "self-quarantine" until then, to be absolutely sure they had not contracted the virus.

The Philippines was due to hold a "national day of celebration" for Mr Pacquiao this Friday, in honour of his win but Mr Duque said there were concerns that the motorcade, which was due to drive through Manila in celebration, could pose a risk of spreading the virus.

There are no confirmed swine flu cases in the Philippines, although some patients are under observation.

According to the latest figures from the World Health Organization, nearly 1,500 people around the globe have been infected with swine flu, most of them in Mexico.

Two swine flu fatalities have been reported in the United States