Duterte on Pacquiao retirement: I'd like to see my friend rest on his laurels

After Manny Pacquiao's victory against Argentinian boxer Lucas Matthysse, President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday said that he now wants the senator-boxing champion to just rest and enjoy his life.

"I said he’s 39. Not because he cannot win or lose but I’d like to see my friend rest on his laurels at this time and enjoy life," Duterte told reporters covering Pacquiao-Matthysse bout in Malaysia.

Likewise, he said money would never be an issue to Pacquiao as he already made a legacy in the boxing ring.

"He has so much money already. No problem. He can enjoy life," Duterte said.

In a post-match interview, however, Pacquiao said that he is not about to retire yet.

The Filipino boxing icon scored a seventh-round technical knockout victory over Matthysse, his 60th win in his boxing career.

He won the World Boxing Association welterweight title in his first fight since his loss to Jeff Horn in Brisbane, Australia in 2017.

Duterte watched the bout with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad before their scheduled meeting.

Duterte has congratulated Pacquiao and thanked him for giving pride and honor to Filipinos.

He also called Pacquiao as "one of the greatest boxers of all time." —LBG/BM, GMA News