DAVAO CITY (July 15) — Malacañang is wishing Filipino boxing icon and senator Manny Pacquiao good luck of his boxing match against Argentine Lucas Matthysse in Kuala Lumpur scheduled today, July 15 in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte is expected to watch the fight between Pacquiao and Matthysse.
The Pacquiao-Matthysse match will take place a day before the President’s meeting with newly-elected Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad on Monday July 16.
In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said “The Palace wishes Senator Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Pacquiao all the best as he faces Lucas Matthysse for the WBA welterweight title in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.”
Roque expressed confidence that Pacquiao’s fight will once again unite Filipinos in cheering for the boxing icon’s every punch.
“Dubbed as the Fight of Champions, this bout will certainly unite Filipinos here and abroad as the Pambansang Kamao enters the ring to banner the Philippine flag,” Roque said.
“We likewise pray for his success as he again carries Pinoy pride in the international boxing arena. Nasa likod mo ang sambayanang Pilipino, Senator Manny. Mabuhay ka! (The Filipinos are behind you, Senator Manny),” he added.
Duterte’s top aide, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, also wished Pacquiao good luck, describing his fight as “a fight of the whole country.”
“Ang laban ni Manny ay laging laban para sa bansa. Binibigay niya ang kanyang buong lakas at tapang para maipakita sa mundo na ang Pilipino ay lumalaban hindi lang sa loob ng boxing ring kundi, sa buhay (Manny’s fight is always a fight for the country. He gives all his strength and courage to show to the entire world that Filipinos are fighters not only inside the boxing ring, but also in life),” Go said.
“I wish all the best of luck to Manny on his fight this Sunday. May he show the Filipinos a good fight. May he give Matthysse a run for the title belt,” Go said.
It has been observed, that Filipinos are glued on television everytime Pacquiao climbs the ring for a fight.
Records of the Philippine National Police consistently showed an almost zero crime during the Paquiao fight.-Jiann A. Padillo/NewsLine.ph
