The ?PacMan? mania has hit even the US Embassy in the Philippines.
US Ambassador to Manila Kristie Kenney on Monday joined boxing fans around the world in praising Filipino boxing icon Manny ?PacMan? Pacquiao, a day after he battered Britain?s Ricky ?The Hitman? Hatton to win the International Boxing Organization?s junior welterweight title.
?He [Pacquiao] was amazing. He showed his commitment to dedication and excellence that we should all get inspired about,? Kenney said at the sidelines of the opening of the weeklong Asean Regional Forum Voluntary Demonstration of Response on Disaster Relief held at One Esplanade in Pasay City.
?All of us in the embassy are fans of his,? Kenney added.
Although the US Embassy also congratulated Filipino champions in the past, according to its spokesman Karen Schinnerer, it was the first time that it issued a statement on Pacquiao?s win because the boxing icon?s latest triumph elevated the sport to a higher level.
?It [victory over Hatton] was decisive, he just showed his talents,? Kenney said.
?I was thrilled [by it],? the ambassador added. ?Since he fights and trains in America, we somehow felt that we are connected with him [Pacquiao].?
The junior welterweight bout was held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and Pacquiao trained for the fight at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles with his coach Freddie Roach, an American.
The US Embassy posted Kenney?s statements on its website as well as some of its own.
One statement said ?PacMan? was ?truly a model for athletes to emulate, showing magnanimity and humility in victory as the premier pound-for-pound boxer in the world.?
?Our congratulations to Manny!? it said.
