Manny Pacquiao from the Philippines wears the champion’s belt after defeating Brandon Rios of the United States in their WBO international welterweight title fight Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, in Macau. AP
MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Sunday cheered Manny Pacquiao for defeating American boxer Brandon Rios in a unanimous decision in Macau and clinching the vacant WBO International welterweight title.
“Malugod naming binabati si Manny sa kanyang pagatatagumpay (Our congratulations for his victory),” Palace spokesman Herminio Coloma said in a radio interview shortly after Pacquiao wore Rios down with his trademark combination punching and won 120-108, 119-109 and 118-110 on the scorecards at The Venetian casino in Macau.
Coloma said Pacquiao will remain the inspiration of Filipinos, especially at a time when many people in Eastern Visayas are facing a crisis in the wake of monster typhoon Yolanda.
“Magiting nating haharapin ang sulirnanin na ating binabalikat. Mabuhay, Manny (We can bravely face the problems besetting us. Long live, Manny),” Coloma said.
Vice President Jejomar Binay also congratulated Pacquiao.
“I would like to thank Manny for dedicating his win to the Filipino people. He is an inspiration to his kababayan and a reminder that the Filipino can rise above adversity and weather any storm,” Binay said in a statement.
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