Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has promised to return for more fights in Malaysia shortly after his victory against Argentinian Lucas Matthysse in the World Boxing Association (WBA) 'Fight of Champions' at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur today.
The 39-year-old Pacquiao, known as ‘Pacman’ to his fans, told a press conference that he had expressed his interest to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who had ringside seats to the welterweight match alongside Philippines’ President Rodrigo Duterte.
“I’ll be looking forward to more boxing matches here in Malaysia,” the eight-division boxing champion was quoted as saying by The Malay Mail.
“I’ve already spoken to the prime minister, and the equipment we used in Kuala Lumpur for this training will be donated to the government.
“We’re in talks to promote boxing in Malaysia and we’re going to start it real soon,” he said after thanking the Malaysian government for hosting today’s match.
Pacquiao, who is also a senator in the Philippines, triumphed over Matthysse in a technical knockout after two minutes 43 seconds in round seven.
Aside from Mahathir and Duterte, it was reported that Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman, Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu and Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah were also present to watch the match, together with various government officials from the Philippines.
“Had the pleasure of hosting President Duterte and my big boss @chedetofficial for the Manny Pacquiao boxing match.
“Tun said he doesn’t like violence, but when I told him that (Floyd) Mayweather earned USD250 million from one match, Tun said he will leave politics and pick up boxing,” Syed Saddiq tweeted after the match.
Had the pleasure of hosting President Duterte and my big boss @chedetofficial for the Manny pacquiao’s boxing match.
— Syed Saddiq (@SyedSaddiq) 15 July 2018
Tun said he doesn’t like violence, but when i told him that mayweather earned USD250Million from 1 match, Tun said he will leave politics and pick up boxing 😅😂 pic.twitter.com/fhKdzkkfr6
