Military lauds Pacquiao ‘courage, perseverance’

Manny Pacquiao enters the ring before his bout against Timothy Bradley at MGM Grand Garden Arena on June 9, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jeff Bottari/Getty Images/AFP

MANILA, Philippines – The military expressed support for its comrade pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao despite his controversial loss to Timothy Bradley Saturday night (Sunday in Manila).

“Manny Pacquiao has done his best in the fight. Although it was not good enough, the courage & perseverance he showed was worth emulating,” the Armed Forces of the Philippines posted in its Twitter account @TeamAFP.

Bradley claimed the WBO Welterweight title by defeating Pacquiao via split decision at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. It was Pacquiao’s first loss after seven years.

Two judges scored 115-113 for Bradley, while one had Pacquiao winning at 115-113.

“Pacquiao continues to exemplify high level of discipline and strength in character in all his match which our soldiers continue to draw inspiration,” the AFP added.

“[He] will remain and will always be our champion, ang Pambansang Kamao [National Fist],” it also said.

Pacquiao was commissioned as Lieutenant Colonel in the Army reserve force on September 2011. He is the deputy commander of the 1st Sarangani Ready Reserve Battalion.