MANILA - Malacañang on Sunday praised boxing legend Emmanuel Pacquiao for "uniting all Filipinos worldwide" in his dominant performance against American challenger Adrien Broner.

The Filipino boxer-senator, 40, retained his world welterweight belt after outpointing Broner, who is 11 years his junior.

Pacquiao "displayed his vintage form just like in his heyday and dominated Broner, who went back-pedalling," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

"We thank our pound-for-pound King for not only bringing honor and glory to our flag, but for once again uniting all Filipinos worldwide with his display of athleticism, power and Filipino pride," he said.

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The military also praised Pacquiao for demonstrating "how determined, disciplined and hardworking the Filipinos are."

"Our soldiers are proud and inspired not only by the performance Senator Manny Pacquiao demonstrated in the ring, but as well as the humility he manifested despite his triumphant win," the military said.

"His discipline, dedication, and hard-work continue to inspire our soldiers to do the same in the exercise of their duties and the fulfillment of their mandates to our country."

This was Pacquiao's first defense of the regular WBA title that he won last July 2018 after stopping Argentina's Lucas Matthysse in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

With the triumph, the Filipino ring legend improved his professional boxing record to 61 wins, 7 losses, and 2 draws.

Retired great Floyd Mayweather attended the fight, fueling speculation of a rematch against Pacquiao. Undefeated Mayweather beat Pacquiao in 2015.

With a report from Reuters

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