| |
|
Philippine president, Malaysian PM at Pacquiao fight ringside
By Edwin G. Espejo
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 15 Jul 2018
KUALA LUMPUR ? Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is among the very important personalities who will be at the ringside when Manny Pacquiao, a senator in his home country, tries to wrest the World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight crown from Argentinian champion Lucas Mathysse later this morning.
President Duterte arrived her late last night in what his presidential photographer King Rodriguez said is a ?private trip?.
Duterte has reportedly met with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohammad who will join him at the ringside.
It will be the first time two head of states will be watching a world boxing championship fight. If the heads of state of Papua New Guinea and Singapore will also watch the fight, which was likewise reported, it will be a politically star-studded boxing match.
Seating arrangements at the VIP section was hastily re-organized with some tickets recalled to accommodate the entourage of both Duterte and Mahathir who is expected to arrive minutes ahead of the main event.
The Philippine president has declined requests for interviews, stating his arrival is not an official function but upon the request of Pacquiao.
Although Pacquiao supported former Vice President Jejomar Binay during the 2016 elections, he has maintained his friendship with Duterte and has become one of the president?s staunchest allies at the Philippine Senate.
Duterte also watched Pacquiao?s fight against Thai Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym at the RMC Gym in Davao City.
Duterte is expected to immediately fly back to Manila after the fight.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Edwin G. Espejo.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou Fight Week Events to Stream LIVE on Top Rank’s Social Media Channels
, Sat, 24 Jan 2026Ballesteros not yet ready against Ocum
By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026Chocolatito Gonzalez to undergo shoulder surgery
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026NM Nika finishes Sixth in Czech Republic Blitz chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026The Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo RETURNS! Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
, Sat, 24 Jan 2026Donaire back in Cebu
By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 23 Jan 2026MURATALLA VS. CRUZ IN LAS VEGAS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
, Fri, 23 Jan 2026Four Pinoys in line for title shots
By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 23 Jan 2026After the meeting in Mexico City, the WBC is ready for 2026
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Fri, 23 Jan 2026Former world title challenger Jerry Belmontes Returns to ring at home after nearly a decade in Retirement on January 31 in Texas
, Fri, 23 Jan 2026SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT RONNY ALVAREZ TRAINING CAMP NOTES
, Thu, 22 Jan 2026STRICKLAND STUNS REYES AS SOUQUET SEALS REDEMPTION | WNT LEGENDS
, Thu, 22 Jan 2026Knicks defeats Nets 120-66 to post largest margin of victory in franchise history
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 22 Jan 2026Mauricio Sulaiman: "We simply urge Zuffa Boxing to respect and protect boxing and the boxer"
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 22 Jan 2026January 31: Xander Zayas-Abass Baraou Junior Middleweight Title Unification Showdown to Stream LIVE on Top Rank Classics FAST Channel in the United States
, Thu, 22 Jan 2026Mike Tyson to Launch “Mike Tyson Invitational,” a Three-Day Amateur Boxing Showcase Aimed at Elevating the Future of American Boxing
, Thu, 22 Jan 2026KAIPO GALLEGOS TRAINING CAMP NOTES
, Thu, 22 Jan 2026REYES AND BUSTAMANTE DELIVER HOME-SOIL MASTERCLASS | WNT LEGENDS
, Wed, 21 Jan 2026Reigning World 10-ball Champion Filipino cue master Jonas Magpantay to see action in Indonesia pool tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 21 Jan 2026OLYMPIC BOXING 7: 1936 OLYMPICS AT BERLIN, GERMANY
By Maloney L. Samaco, , Wed, 21 Jan 2026Usyk and Zuffa Boxing Negotiations Update
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 21 Jan 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: Twelve Years Later, Don José is Still With Us
By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Tue, 20 Jan 2026Get know “BIG BAD BAZLEY”as he retuns March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
, Tue, 20 Jan 2026“Jye Chin brings a fight to whoever, whenever and where ever”: Jye Chin ready for WBC title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
, Tue, 20 Jan 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 18 JANUARY 2026: Nikita Tszyu-Michael Zerafa End in No Contest; Raul Curiel Outpoints Jordan Panthen
By Eric Armit, , Mon, 19 Jan 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
