Philippines celebrates Pacquiao's WBC super featherweight victory

Mar 16, 2008, 16:42 GMT

Manila - The Philippines on Sunday celebrated the WBC super featherweight victory of Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao over Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez.

Filipinos watched the 12-round fight in the malls, their homes and public gyms where huge screens were set up by local officials.

Throughout the country, crowds burst into cheers when it was announced that Pacquiao was the new WBC super featherweight champion by a split decision.

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo led Filipinos in cheering Pacquiao's victory.

'Manny Pacquiao has again brought immense glory to the flag and the Filipino people with his hard-fought victory,' she said in a statement.

'Once more, he has inspired us with his big fighting heart, his determination and grit,' he added. 'He is truly one of our nation's heroes who can unite us even in times of divisiveness.'

The Philippine military even declared a seven-hour unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels to give troops time to watch the fight, while politicians also took the day off.

Saturday's fight in Las Vegas was a rematch of Pacquiao and Marquez' 2004 fight, which ended in a draw.

Pacquio won by a split decision, with two judges giving him the fight at 115-112 and 114-113. One judge gave the fight to Marquez at 115-112.

In a radio interview after the fight, Pacquio admitted that he had a difficult time, saying, 'This was the toughest fight for me. This fight was not just for me, this was for the Filipino people.'