Pacquiao: My heart is OK, healthy

Filipino boxing icon and Senator Manny Pacquiao assured the Filipino people Tuesday that he is healthy after undergoing an angiogram days before his fight against Argentine boxer Lucas Matthysse.

“Let me take this opportunity to clarify one thing: My heart is OK. My heart is healthy. I feel stronger and younger than ever,” Pacquiao said in a speech thanking his colleagues at the Senate for adopting a resolution congratulating and commending him on his recent win.

“My heart will continue to beat with love and compassion for our people. I will continue to honor God and our country with excellence and integrity—inside and outside the ring,” he added.

He further said that his victory is not just for him and his family but for the country and God’s greater glory.

Pacquiao underwent the procedure on July 8 to determine whether he is suffering from heart problem, a CT scan, and a drug test.  He was cleared in all the tests. 

The Filipino boxing champion won against Matthysse via technical knockout on July 15 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Senate adopted Resolution No. 788, authored by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, in consideration of Senate Resolution No. 789, introduced by Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senate Resolution 799, introduced by Senator Juan Edgardo Angara.

Sotto said in the resolution that the astounding feat of Filipino boxing great Pacquiao over Matthysse has once again delivered pride, joy, and glory to the hearts of the millions of Filipino people cheering in the midst of the economic and political turmoil they are currently facing.

For his part, Zubiri said Pacquiao is the only boxer in history hailed an octuple champion with world titles in eight unprecedented different weight divisions and the first boxer to win the lineal championship in five different weight classes.

“By winning this fight, Pacquiao has once again reminded the world the indomitable spirit of the Filipino. He deserves to be recognized and commended for bringing honor, pride and inspiration to the Filipino people,” he said in his resolution.

Angara said Pacquiao’s latest “accomplishment was even more astonishing” since Matthysse, who was dubbed a pressure fighter with a penchant for stopping bouts early, was younger, taller and heavier.

“Despite the obvious advantages of the Argentinian boxer, it posed no threat to Pacquiao as he put on display his veteran experience. This victory, a testament to the grit, perseverance and indomitable spirit of Pacquiao serves as an inspiration, not just to our country’s boxers and athletes, but also to all Filipinos to persevere and work hard for a better future, especially in these trying times,” he said. — RSJ, GMA News