The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) celebrated Senator Manny Pacquiao’s seventh-round stoppage of Argentinian Lucas Matthysse on Sunday, saying that his victory is a source of inspiration and pride for soldiers.
“Our soldiers are proud and inspired not only by the performance Manny Pacquiao demonstrated in the ring, but as well as the humility he manifested despite his triumphant win,” AFP said of Pacquiao, who is a reservist of the Philippine Army with the rank of a Colonel.
The AFP also said that Pacquiao showed the traits of Filipino soldiers in his fight with Matthysse.
“In his latest triumph of winning the WBA Welterweight World Title, Manny Pacquiao did not only demonstrate the Filipino’s natural trait of strength and courage, he also showed the world, how determined, disciplined and hardworking the Filipinos are; just like his comrades in the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” the AFP said.
“The whole Armed Forces is all out in its support to our boxing champion. His discipline, dedication, and hard-work continue to inspire our soldiers to do the same in the exercise of their duties and the fulfillment of their mandates to our country,” the statement added.
With the win. Pacquiao total haul is now 60 wins with 39 knockouts, seven losses, and two draws.
READ: 60th win: Pacquiao KOs Matthysse for WBA welterweight title
The knockout of Matthysse was also significant for Pacquiao, who has not downed any of his opponents for the past nine years since Miguel Cotto in November 2009. /ee