Pacquiao expects Duterte, Mahathir to watch fight vs. Matthysse

Former world boxing champion Senator Manny Pacquiao is looking forward to having two Asian leaders in the audience when he goes up against Argentinian boxer Lucas Matthysse in a world title fight in Kuala Lumpur on July 15.

In an interview with Mav Gonzales on "24 Oras", Pacquiao said he was excited that President Rodrigo Duterte would watch the fight.

The senator added that he also invited Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad during his courtesy call on Thursday.

"Suportado naman yung event natin sa Sunday, and he's trying his best to come and watch the fight. He'll try. Pupunta yata," Pacquiao said.

Duterte's expected attendance already has him pumped.

"Mas lalong excited, inspirado. Si Presidente manonood at marami pang ibang government officials ang manonood din," Pacquiao said.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that Duterte will be flying to Malaysia on Saturday to watch the Pacquiao-Matthyse fight and meet with Mahathir.

Pacquiao was also heartened by the support of his fans based in Malaysia, who went to see him while he was jogging in a public park this morning.

The fans said they made an effort to see the boxing icon because they won't be able to watch the match live.

"Masarap, nakakainspire yung makita mo yung suporta ng fans dito," Pacquiao said. —Jessica Bartolome/NB, GMA News