MALACAÑANG on Thursday, July 18, wished Filipino boxing legend and Senator Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao all the best for his upcoming bout against unbeaten American Keith Thurman.
"We wish him the best of luck in the world," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a press conference, sending his best wishes to Pacquiao, who is doing rigid training as he prepared for his title bout against Thurman.
"He (Pacquaio) is fighting someone. I've seen some of the fights of Thurman, mukhang magaling din eh. Bata pa. Magaling. Pero 'yung ating boxer magaling din e (I've seen some of the fights of Thurman and he is a good boxer. He's young and a good boxer. But our bet is also a good boxer)," he added.
Pacquaio is scheduled to challenge Thurman for the WBA (Super) Welterweight World Championship at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 20 (July 21, Manila time).
Pacquiao, an eight-division world champion, is fresh from his decisive win over American Adrien Broner in January, taking his record to 61-7-2 with 39 knockouts.
Thurman, meantime, has unblemished record of 30-0-0 with 22 knockouts. (SunStar Philippines)