Senator Manny Pacquiao may have suffered a controversial loss in Brisbane, Australia, but the setback will not diminish his legacy, the Malacañang Palace said in a statement released on Sunday afternoon.
“Nagpapasalamat ang Palasyo sa hindi matawarang suportang ipinagkaloob ng ating mga kababayan sa oras ng tagumpay at maging sa panahon ng pagkabigo,” the statement read.
“Manny Pacquiao’s loss in Brisbane would not diminish the honors he bestowed to the people and to the flag.”
Though Pacquiao out-landed Horn based on the CompuBox stats, the judges still saw the fight in favor of the hometown hero, 111-117, 113-115, and 113-115. The bout was for Pacquiao’s WBO World Welterweight Championship.
Even if Pacquiao dropped to a 59-7-2 (38 KO) slate, the Palace iterated the accolades he has received have been nothing short of spectacular. The 38-year-old son of General Santos City is the world’s only eight-division champion and co-holds the record for the biggest fight of all time.
“Nothing will change: Senator Manny Pacquiao will remain our People’s Champ, Pambansang Kamao, and National Treasure in Global Sports,” the statement added.
“Mabuhay ka, Manny!”
