Palace wishes Pacquiao good luck in Malaysia bout

“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 said in a statement. (Photo: Manny Pacquiao/Facebook)

MANILA — Malacañang has wished Filipino boxing icon and senator Manny Pacquiao good luck on Saturday ahead of his boxing match against Argentine Lucas Matthysse in Kuala Lumpur.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte is expected to watch the fight between Pacquiao and Matthysse on July 15, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque earlier said.

According to Roque, the bout will take place a day before the President’s meeting with newly-elected Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad on July 16.

“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 said in a statement.

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.

Go pointed out that Pacquaio’s rags-to-riches story serves as an “inspiration” to many Filipinos, as it showed how his love and passion for sports, specifically boxing, helped him provide his family with a better life.

He also praised Pacquiao for his contributions as a senator.

Moreover, Go also hoped that he would show Filipinos another fight worth watching live and on TV.

“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.