(Eagle News)–President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday, July 15, congratulated Manny Pacquiao after he beat Argentina’s Lucas Matthysse to bag the World Boxing Association world welterweight title in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
“I would like to congratulate (the senator) for giving us pride and bringing the Filipino nation together once more,” Duterte said, calling the boxer “one of the greatest boxers of all time.”
According to Duterte, Pacquiao’s “win wil surely cement, yet again, (his) position and legacy in boxing’s Hall of Fame.”
“May you continue to inspire Filipinos not only in boxing but also in the public service,” he said.
In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque also thanked “our Pambansang Kamao for not only bringing honor and glory to our flag and country but once again uniting Filipinos here and abroad with his display of courage, tenacity and will power.”
“The Palace is one with the Filipino people in celebrating this tremendous feat,” he said.
“Mabuhay ka, Manny! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!” he added.
Pacquiao won via TKO against Matthysse in the seventh round.
President Duterte had gone to Malaysia to watch him fight and to meet with the Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.
Duterte was accompanied by hs son, Sebastian, and aide Bong Go.