Malaysian PM Mahathir on Pacquiao fight: It's a historic day for Malaysia

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad deemed the victory of Manny Pacquiao against Argentinian boxer Lucas Matthysse as a "historic day" for Malaysia.

"This is a historical day for Malaysia when we have a Filipino champion fighting in Malaysia witnessed by the leaders of both countries. And of course this is part of our boxing diplomacy, [but] we don’t punch each other," Mahathir said in an ambush interview.

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

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

Mahathir and President Rodrigo Duterte watched the fight before having lunch together.

Duterte said he is inspired to talk to the Malaysian leader following Pacquiao's victory.

"I’m very happy. No regrets that I came earlier to watch the fight. It’s a good one. And it’s the first time I have traveled outside of the Philippines just to see him fight. Other fights held in the United States mostly," he said.

Duterte has congratulated Pacquiao and thanked him for bringing honor to all Filipinos. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KG/BM, GMA News

IN PHOTOS: Pacquiao vs. Matthysse