| |
|
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:
Leading World Cruiserweight Contender Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki returns from 15-month layoff with another overpowering KO
, Mon, 09 Mar 2026Roca, Bernardino share top honors in Tea Block rapid chess tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 08 Mar 2026Fastpitch Softball on March 20-22 in Calinan
By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 08 Mar 2026Opetaia vs Glanton: Dana White Crowns First Boxing Champion. Is Fight Worthy?
By Chris Carlson, , Sun, 08 Mar 2026In Thrilling Showdown, Pagara Falls Short Against Polkinghorn by Points.
, Sun, 08 Mar 2026Unofficial Unification Tournament Brewing For Welterweights
By Ralph Rimpell, , Sat, 07 Mar 2026Fight Results from Montreal: Steven Butler Obliterates Ramadan Hiseni; Wins by Lenar Perez, Jhon Orobio and Steve Claggett
By Eric Armit, , Sat, 07 Mar 2026Former Champ Junior Makabu visits WBC offices in Mexico City
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 07 Mar 2026WEIGHTS FROM SYDNEY, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA
, Sat, 07 Mar 2026Weights from Atlantic City
, Sat, 07 Mar 2026PFL Releases Francis Ngannou
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 07 Mar 2026Polkinghorn, Pagara at the Scales in Perth, Australia
By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 07 Mar 2026Young Briton Rising Star: Callum Dan's Quest for Boxing Glory
By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 07 Mar 2026Chua rules Pattaya Open; pockets $22,500
By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 07 Mar 2026All Star Boxing live on ESPN DEPORTES Weights from Nicaragua
, Fri, 06 Mar 2026Ryan Rozicki’s Return: Presser Quotes from Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
, Fri, 06 Mar 2026Undefeated Heavyweight Gustavo “The Cuban Assassin” Trujillo Returns to Headline “Havoc at the Hilton 3” March 7 in Florida
, Fri, 06 Mar 2026AQ Prime Chess bet Marius Zabanal Constante of Pasig City rules Elementary Division of NCR Palarong Pambansa Standard chess elims
By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 06 Mar 2026World-Ranked Light Heavyweight Najee Lopez Battles Mexican Strongman Manuel Gallegos
, Fri, 06 Mar 2026USA Boxing Youth High Performance Team Travels to Thailand for 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup
, Fri, 06 Mar 2026Eddie Hearn Signs UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall for New Matchroom Talent Agency
, Fri, 06 Mar 2026Wise Owl Boxing Signs Undefeated Super Welterweight Prospect Ebenezer “The Stuntman” Griffith
, Fri, 06 Mar 2026International Boxing Association Strengthens Strategic Presence in Cape Verde Following High-Level Official Visit
, Thu, 05 Mar 2026Asia's First GM Eugene Torre 2nd in Russia chess
By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 05 Mar 2026Unified WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine Minimumweight World Champion Oscar "El Pupilo" Collazo Hosts Media Workout Ahead of March 14 Fight
, Thu, 05 Mar 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
