Sports fans crowd venues to watch World Cup final and Manny Pacquiao
Millions erupt in joy after Pacquiao clinches first knockout in nine years
KUALA LUMPUR: Peak football fever and a world-class boxing bout have many Malaysians turning up in droves at various venues to catch sports’ two biggest events – the World Cup 2018 Final and the Fight of Champions between Filipino Manny Pacquiao and Argentina’s Lucas Matthysse.
The month-long football tournament culminated in a showdown between France and Croatia, and moments before that, Malaysians were flooding mamak restaurants, pubs, shopping malls and even an open field to be part of the action.
Over at Dataran Merdeka, national leaders joined in the fun, watching the game on the big screen set up on the field while Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and other ministers, including Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu and Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah witnessed the fight at the Axiata Arena earlier.
Star Media Group also crowned a winner in the Rumble in Russia “Catch the Ball” contest with a Kia Picanto “World Cup Edition” car during a viewing party.
The contest was held in collaboration with Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Naza Kia Malaysia, Sharp Electronics Malaysia and AirAsia Berhad.
Admin clerk Hafsham Hamdan said the football frenzy could be felt at the square.
“This is my first time watching the World Cup at an open air event. It is exciting,” said the 24-year-old from Mukah, Sarawak.
Business owner Mohamad Junaidi brought along his wife and two young children – aged three and one – to watch the final.
“I came here tonight because there are a lot of supporters and very lively,” said the 25-year-old, who is a Croatian supporter, but not his wife. She backs the French side.
The soccerfest here also attracted French national Camille Le Guen and Dutch national Barry Van Der Berg, who are on a month-long research internship.
Elsewhere, 20-year-old student Saranjay Raj watched the game with his friends at Rock Cafe near Sunway University.
“It is often packed with people and the atmosphere here is somewhat similar to being in a stadium,” he said.
Earlier at the Axiata Arena, Pacquiao’s win for the WBA welterweight title had his compatriots – led by Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte and other political heavyweights from the country – cheering.
The stands were packed with Filipinos cheering for their favourite son, who was making a competitive fight in more than a year.
MANILA: Millions of boxing fans across the Philippines erupted in cheers and tears of joy after national icon Manny Pacquiao beat Argentine Lucas Matthysse in a world title bout.
In the run-up to the fight 39-yearold Pacquiao was trailed by whispers that he was past his prime and doubts he would be able to best the big-punching Matthyse, who is four years his junior.
But when Pacquiao’s victory was sealed in the seventh round by technical knockout, fans around the nation of 100 million jumped to their feet and roared with joy.
“I was confident he could do it. It’s not about his age,” said Christopher Lasala, 39.
“I was so happy when he knocked out Matthysse, I kept clapping. I said I knew Pacquiao would win.”
Flora dela Paz, a life-long boxing fan, had tears streaming down her face as she watched Pacquiao raise his arms in victory.
“I am just so happy. I got goosebumps,” said the 68-year-old retired shoemaker.
“He won, he won!” Pacquiao’s rags-to-riches story, from high school dropout to millionaire world boxing champion in an unprecedented eight weight divisions, is a huge source of pride in the Philippines.
In keeping with tradition, many Filipinos stopped what they were doing to watch Pacquiao’s fight, which took place around midday yesterday in the Philippine time zone.
President Rodrigo Duterte, who attended the bout at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur with Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, flashed a thumbs up after Pacquiao’s win.
The boxer, who has a glittering 23-year career in the sport, is also a lawmaker in the nation’s senate and a staunch ally of the president.
“This win will surely cement, yet again, your position and legacy in boxing’s Hall of Fame,” Duterte said in a statement.
“May you continue to inspire Filipinos.”
Sports journalist Ryan Songalia tweeted: “Manny Pacquiao was always one knockout win from being the hottest property in boxing again.
“He reminded people why they loved him in the first place.” — AFP