| |
|
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:
Coach Marvin Somodio: Full of Life and Punch at 42 By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Fri, 28 Nov 2025Boston Ends Detroit's Winning Streak at 12; Celtics Trip Pistons, 117-114 at the Garden By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Fri, 28 Nov 20257-Eleven Run 2026 set on Jan. 31-Feb. 1 By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 28 Nov 2025Carlos Cañizales Forced to Cancel Flight to Thailand for WBC World Title Defense By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 27 Nov 2025World Boxing Champions Promotions to Present Manny Pacquiao & Freddie Roach with Inaugural “Centurion Awards” During Manny Pacquiao Promotions Event on November 29 , Thu, 27 Nov 2025Atif Oberlton Takes on Vaughn Alexander on Saturday, December 6th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia , Thu, 27 Nov 2025Iligan tops in PEKAF Mindanao qualifying tourney By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 27 Nov 2025INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE CLASS OF 2026 ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4th , Thu, 27 Nov 2025World Renowned Boxing Trainer Bob Santos Launches Private Boxing Camp in Las Vegas , Thu, 27 Nov 2025Eight Boxers Remain in WBC Grand Prix Finals On December 20 , Wed, 26 Nov 2025WBA/WBO Cruiserweight Champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez Confirms World Title Fight with David Benavidez on Cinco de Mayo in Las Vegas , Wed, 26 Nov 2025Petecio in, Paalam out By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 26 Nov 2025Takuma Inoue World Champion Again; Beats Nasukawa for Vacant WBC Belt By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 26 Nov 2025OLYMPIC BOXING 3: 1920 OLYMPIC GAMES AT ANTWERP, BELGIUM By Maloney L. Samaco, , Wed, 26 Nov 2025Badenas TKO’s Saknosiwi in 10th round By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 26 Nov 2025Las Vegas & California Amateurs Shine in a Powerful Fall Rumble Weekend Followed by a Heartfelt Turkey Drive for Local Families , Wed, 26 Nov 2025Santa Run Davao on December 14 at NCCC Mall Victoria Plaza By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 26 Nov 2025Alec “The Rock” Del Rio Fights for WBC Asia Title Friday in Thailand By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 25 Nov 2025Eumir, Weljohn put pros on hold By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 25 Nov 2025Toronto Topples Cleveland, 110-99 for 8th Straight Win; Holds on to 2nd in the East By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Tue, 25 Nov 2025PPP Seniors & PWD Fun Run 2025 on Dec. 13 in Talomo By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 25 Nov 2025MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCES A FULL SELLOUT AND BROADCAST DETAILS AHEAD OF U.S. DEBUT EVENT THIS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, AT PECHANGA RESORT CASINO IN TEMECULA, CALIF. , Tue, 25 Nov 2025Tomorrow Night's CB Promotions Card at The Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton is Postponed , Tue, 25 Nov 2025PHL bids to host WB Congress By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 25 Nov 2025Joel "Lethal" Lewis talks boxing evolution and upcoming Thunderdome 52 fight this Friday in Perth , Tue, 25 Nov 2025 |

|
|
|
|
|