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    Pacquiao ally Duterte leads politicians at ringside for KL fight

    Duterte leads politicians at ringside for Pacquiao fight
    Jul 13, 2018
    Manny Pacquiao surrounded by his growing entourage in Kuala Lumpur.
    PHOTO: Wendell Alinea

    KUALA LUMPUR – President Duterte leads Filipino public officials and other personalities expected to be at ringside when Manny Pacquiao vies for another world championship against Lucas Matthysse of Argentina.

    The chief executive is arriving here on Saturday in the company of special assistant Bong Go along with Agriculture Secretary Manny Pinol and national security adviser retired Gen. Hermogenes Esperon as well as Pacquiao’s fellow Senators JV Ejercito, Koko Pimentel, and Senate president Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto.

    Department of Foreign Affairs secretary Allan Peter Cayetano meanwhile, is coming over with Larong Volleyball Pilipinas Inc. acting president Peter Cayetano, and Letran athletics moderator Fr. Vic Calvo.

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      Others flying over include Blackwater team owner Dioceldo Sy and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) vice president Joey Romasanta.

      Already in the Malaysian capital are reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) super-flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas together with trainer Joven Jimenez and Olympian Mark Barriga, former World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight champion Marlon Tapales, and former Ilocos Sur Gov. and close Pacquiao friend Chavit Singson.

      The 39-year-old Pacquiao has personally invited Malaysian Prime Minister Mahatir Mohamad to watch the 12-round title fight set on Sunday at the Axiata Arena.

      The Malaysian leader said he ‘will try his best’ to be there.

      Mahathir and Pacquiao met behind closed doors at the Perdana Leadership Foundation as the Filipino ring hero greeted the former on his 93rd birthday.

      The eighth-time world division champion gave Mahathir a birthday cake and a pair of yellow boxing gloves, according to Pacquiao’s press information officer Aquiles Zonio.

      This developed as Pacquiao was bestowed the Asia Pacific Brands Foundation Legendary Award on Friday.

      Previous honorees of the award being handed out by a Malaysian-based foundation include sports greats Muhammad Ali, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi, as well as world leaders Nelson Mandela and Hillary Clinton.

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      Manny Pacquiao surrounded by his growing entourage in Kuala Lumpur.
      PHOTO: Wendell Alinea
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