Palace hails Pacquiao win as “victory of Philippines”

FILE: “To the fans I fight for, the media who cover me, the friends and family who support me, and to Keith Thurman who accepted my challenge, Saturday night was an honor and privilege.” (Photo: @mannypacquiao/Instagram)

After 40-year-old Philippine boxer Manny Pacquiao has officially claimed the World Boxing Association (WBA) super welterweight belt last Saturday, July 20 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada against American boxer Keith Thurman, Jr., the country’s government hailed the nation’s athlete “for not only bringing honor and glory to our flag, but for once again uniting Filipinos worldwide with his display of athleticism, power, and Filipino pride.”

In a statement by Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, the Palace thanked the Senator, saying, “Pacquiao’s victory is not only his, but of the entire nation. As such, the Palace is one in rejoicing with the Filipino people as the Pambansang Kamao once again puts the flag above the pedestal with his display of tenacity and courage.”

Last January, Pacquiao also defeated Adrien Broner, who was more than 10 years younger than him, via unanimous decision, which Panelo recalled was the beginning of his successful year. On behalf of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Panelo shared, “Six months later, he doubled this feat as he defeated Keith Thurman today via split decision, even knocking him down in the 1st round. Although his opponent, Thurman, is way younger than him, our pound-for-pound King did not show any signs of intimidation as he embodied what a Filipino spirit is all about – a fighter.

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At the end of the statement, Panelo also added a message to the eight-division world boxing champion, saying, “You have proven time and again that hard work and faith are the one-two punch to winning in life, inside and outside the boxing ring. May you continue to inspire our countrymen with your achievements, and serve as a model to our people with the humility and grace you display after every hard-fought contest.

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