‘Like a fine wine’: Fans cheer Pacquiao victory

Manila. Raucous cheers erupted from Philippine boxing fans in Manila who jumped in joy to celebrate the victory of Manny Pacquiao against Adrien Broner yesterday, comparing their 40-year-old idol to a “fine wine”.

Filipinos had been confident their champion Pacquiao would easily defend his welterweight title in Las Vegas and the boxer did not disappoint, earning a unanimous decision victory against an opponent 11 years his junior.

From children to the elderly, screaming and fist-pumping fans gathered together to watch the fight in the nation’s gymnasium at traditional free public viewing events.

“Manny Pacquiao is like a fine wine. Gets better through the years. He can still throw flurry of punches for a 40 year old,” said Twitter user @gemmedgem.

“I was jumping in joy when I saw him because Manny Pacquiao is really my idol. Filipinos are happy and it gives us honour to have him as a boxer,” Jenny Gitgano, 56, told AFP after watching the bout in the capital city.

Pacquiao, dubbed the Philippine “national fist”, is considered a hero whose rise from high school dropout to millionaire world boxing champion in an unprecedented eight weight divisions is an enormous source of pride.

During his younger years, Pacquiao’s bouts brought the country to a standstill, with authorities saying traffic and crime virtually ceased.

While crowds have thinned in the twilight of Pacquiao’s career, hordes of fans still gathered in covered courts and even military camps to watch the fight which took place Sunday afternoon in the Philippine time zone.

Pacquiao is a reserve army colonel and an elected senator allied with President Rodrigo Duterte. (AFP)