Malacañang wishes ‘all the best’ to Pacquiao in fight vs. Matthysse

Malacañang on Saturday wished Filipino boxing icon and Senator Manny Pacquiao "all the best" ahead of his WBA welterweight match against Argentinian Lucas Matthysse in Malaysia.

"The Palace wishes Senator Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Pacquiao all the best as he faces Lucas Matthysse for the WBA welterweight title in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia," Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement. 

Roque said the "Fight of Champions" bout will certainly "unite Filipinos here and abroad" as Pacquiao banners the Philippine flag in the ring.

"We likewise pray for his success as he again carries Pinoy pride in the international boxing arena. Nasa likod mo ang sambayanang Pilipino, Senator Manny... Mabuhay ka!" Roque continued.

Both Pacquiao and WBA world champion Matthysse passed the weigh-in earlier for the welterweight division.

Pacquiao weighed 146 pounds, while Matthysse weighed 146.7 pounds during the weigh-in at the Malaysia International Trade and Convention Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Pacquiao is an eight-division world champion, while Matthysse has been holding the WBA welterweight title since January 2018. Matthysse also previously held the WBC interim super lightweight title from 2012 to 2013.

The Pacquiao-Matthysse fight for the WBA welterweight title will be held on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur. — MDM, GMA News