President Arroyo congratulated Manny Pacquiao for scoring a unanimous decision over Mexican boxing legend Marco Antonio Barrera Saturday night (Sunday morning in Manila) at the Mandalay Bay Resort Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
?Our ‘Pambansang Kamao’ (National Fistfighter) is the Philippines gift to the world of boxing,? she said in a statement.
Mrs. Arroyo said Pacquiao?s win has again lifted the Filipino spirit.
?Pacquiao once again buoyed the nation’s spirit with his excellent fighting form and indomitable spirit,? she said.
Senate President Manuel Villar, meanwhile, issued a similar statement in praise of the Filipino boxing icon.
“We are truly grateful to Pacquiao for once again giving glory to the country and making every Filipino proud of his nationality. He represents Filipinos who have the heart of a fighter,?” Villar said.
“His win inspires us all to fight, no matter how mighty the problems besetting the country are today,?” he added.
With the win, Pacquiao retained his WBC international super featherweight crown.
The judges saw it 118-109, 118-109, 115-112, all in favor of Pacquiao.
Pacquiao (45 wins, 3 losses, 35 KOs) was a heavy favorite to finish off the 33-year-old Barrera (63-6, 42 KOs), who opted for retirement following his loss.
