General Santos welcomes the boxing hero

Manny Pacquiao is in fighting form for Saturday’s bout with Bradley. Photo by Chris Farina / Manny Pacquiao official Facebook page

MANILA — Win or lose, Pacman will receive a hero’s welcome in his hometown.

This is what the people of General Santos City has proven when they prepared a hero’s welcome for the boxing champ despite his loss to American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Pacquiao had a motorcade from the city’s airport to the city hall and the crowd was shouting his name as he pass.

The champ was wearing a red and white checkered polo and was riding a multicab with a canopy designed with his MP logo and balloons.

He was riding with Mayor Ronnel Rivera while dozens of other vehicles rode after the multicab he was riding.

Pacquiao was presented with a resolution passed by the city council commending his “courage and aggressiveness” during his bout with Mayweather.

“It was painful for him to fight but he did not want to upset the Filipino people,” Mayor Rivera said referring to Pacman’s injured shoulder.

“Congressman Manny is still our champion despite what happened. He remains our hero and we welcome him as usual,” he said.