Pacquiao praises Duterte after win: Thank you for being our President

Manny Pacquiao dedicated his win against Argentinian boxer Lucas Matthysse on Sunday to the Filipino people, while specifically thanking and praising President Rodrigo Duterte who personally witnessed the fight.

"Thank God for this victory. This is dedicated to all the Filipino people, the whole country. Thank you to my president, Rodrigo Roa Duterte who is watching this fight," said Pacquiao, a key ally of Duterte in the Senate, in an interview right after he scored a seventh round technical knockout victory against Matthysse.

Duterte flew to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to watch the highly-anticipated Pacquiao-Matthysse fight, as well as to meet with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Amid the ecstatic crowd, Pacquiao praised Duterte, drawing more cheers from the audiences in Axiata Arena.

"Mga Pilipino, maraming-maraming salamat, lalong-lalo na sa ating mahal na Pangulo. Filipino people, maraming salamat," he said.

"We have a good president, Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Thank you, Mr. President, for being our president," he added.

Pacquiao's praises to Duterte prompted the crowd to shout: "Duterte! Duterte!"

Pacquiao likewise thanked the Malaysian government for supporting the fight.

"To the Prime Minister Mahatir, thank you so much for your support and to the Malaysian government, thank you so much. And of course, to the Royal Family, thank you," he said.

Pacquiao's technical knockout win was first stoppage since 2009, scoring his 60th victory against seven defeats and two draws. —Erwin Colcol/JST, GMA News

IN PHOTOS: Pacquiao vs. Matthysse