Malacañang on Sunday had only good words to say about Sen. Manny Pacquiao, who lost against reigning WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas in his 72nd professional bout.
Pacquiao lost via unanimous decision against Ugas, who was a last-minute replacement for Errol Spence Jr. who was sidelined 11 days prior to the fight due to an eye injury.
The judges scored the fight 115-113, 116-112, 116-112 for Ugas.
“The boxing icon’s loss in Las Vegas would not diminish the honors he bestowed to our country and the joy he gave to our people,” Palace spokesman Harry Roque said in a statement.
“Senator Pacquiao will forever be etched in the hearts of Filipinos as our ‘People’s Champ.’ Mabuhay ka, Manny!” he added.
Pacquiao has won 62 of his fights, with 39 by way of knockout. His loss against Ugas was just the eighth in his 26-year career.
Pacquiao is the only boxer in history to have won twelve major world titles in eight different weight divisions.
After the fight, Pacquiao bared that he had yet to decide on his retirement and if he would pursue the presidency in 2022. John Ezekiel J. Hirro