Kuala Lumpur - Manny Pacquiao will have a very special spectator this Sunday when he battles WBA (World Boxing Association) welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse at the Axiata Arena.
The popular but controversial Philippine President Rodrigo ?Digong? Duterte will be watching Pacquiao challenge for another title to add to his collection of belts. The boxer is also an elected senator and a former congressman in their country and is a political ally of the president.
This was confirmed by Pacquiao himself during a media workout held yesterday at the Le Meridean hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
According to reports from several Philippine news outlets, Duterte will also be meeting with Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad after the bout.
On his part, Lucas Matthysse is undaunted that Duterte will be at ringside to support Pacquiao this Sunday.
?In that ring it will just be me and Manny, not the president,? Matthysse told the media during his workout last Wednesday.
This will be the first time that Duterte will be watching Pacquiao fight in the ring. The president is expected to fly to the Malaysian capital this weekend from Manila.
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