President Duterte praised Sen. Manny Pacquiao for winning the World Boxing Association welterweight title from Lucas Matthysse in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia yesterday.
Duterte, in a statement, congratulated Pacquiao for uniting and giving the Filipino people pride in the boxing arena.
“I would like to congratulate Sen. Manny Pacquiao for giving us pride and bringing the Filipino nation together once more,” Duterte said.
“Daghang salamat, Manny! You are truly the People’s Champ!” he added.
Duterte also said that the senator proved that his renowned abilities are worthy of being recognized. “You have proven time and again that you are not just a public servant, but one of the greatest boxers of all time,” the President said.
“This win will surely cement, yet again, your position and legacy in boxing’s Hall of Fame,” he added.
Duterte hoped that Pacquiao, one of his closest allies in the Senate, will continue to serve as an inspiration to the Filipino people. “May you continue to inspire Filipinos not only in boxing but also in the public service,” Duterte said.
However, Duterte, in an interview with Filipino reporters in Kuala Lumpur, said he told Pacquiao after the fight that he wants him to retire.
“I said he’s 39. Not because he cannot win, or lose, but I’d like to see my friend rest on his laurels at this time and enjoy life,” he said. “He has so much money already. No problem. He can enjoy life,” he added.
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad said the fight was a “historical day for Malaysia,” especially since Pacquiao fought in his country.
“This is indeed a historical day for Malaysia when we have a Filipino champion fighting in Malaysia,” Mahathir said.
“That’s why the leaders of both countries have our boxing diplomacy, we don’t punch each other,” he added.
-Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos
