Most Read
Most Commented
Read more like this
mk-logo
News
RTM to air Pacquiao-Matthysse boxing match live on TV1

Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) will be airing the highly-anticipated "Fight of Champions" welterweight boxing showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Lucas Matthysse live this Sunday.

This announcement is set to please many boxing fans, who have been calling on the national broadcaster to air the fight taking place in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.

The fight between eight-time world champion Pacquiao from the Philippines, also known as “the Pac-Man” to fans, and reigning WBA welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse from Argentina, will take place at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.

"After more than four decades, boxing fans will have the opportunity to witness the Fight of Champions, primed to be the best boxing match in the country since Muhammad Ali and Joe Bugner in 1975.

"The fight will be aired live for the first time by RTM," read a statement issued today by the Communications and Multimedia Ministry.

The statement noted that the match will be aired live on RTM's TV1 at 8am, adding that Azlan Mubin would serve as studio host and Rasdi Jumaat as commentator throughout the match.

The ministry added that the match could also be viewed on myFreeview on Channel 111 on RTM HD.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte are both expected to have a ringside seat at the match tomorrow. 

Earlier this morning, loud cheers accompanied a Filipino song which was played as Pacquiao was called on stage together with Mathysse for the official weighing session held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec).

Pacquiao came in at 146 lbs (66.2kg) while Matthysse tipped the scales at 146.7 lbs (66.5kg).

Since Wednesday, hundreds of Pacquiao's supporters have gathered at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur where he is staying.

They also accompanied the boxer, who is also a Filipino senator, for several public appearances and a final training session held at a local park yesterday.

A member of "Team Pacquiao" told Malaysiakini that many of the supporters came from General Santos City, the birthplace of the boxer on Philippines' Mindanao island.

All other title contenders were also present this morning to have their official weight recorded before tomorrow's face-off.

Among them was Malaysian boxer 26-year-old Aiman Abu Bakar, who will be up against Indonesia’s Abdi in a four-round featherweight bout.

 

ADS