One of the greatest boxers of all time, Manny Pacquiao felt elated as weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz won the first Gold medal for the Philippines in the ongoing 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The boxer shared his feeling while appearing for an interview with Helen Yee.

Diaz bagged Olympic gold for the women’s 55 kg category for weightlifting. She also sets an Olympic record for the 55 kg division in the clean and jerk at 127 kg and in the total at 224 kg.

“You know I feel like I’m teary-eyed when I saw that Hidilyn got a Gold medal in Olympics,” he said to Yee. “I’m so happy and proud as a Filipino. For the longest time, almost 100 years, we have finally a Gold medal in Olympics.”

The world-renowned boxer and senator then discussed what he will do when he reaches the Philippines. “So, I’m so proud, amazing. I want to take a picture with her when I get back to Philipines and, of course, I want to give her incentives from me,” Manny Pacquiao added.

“I won’t tell the amount but I’m so happy and proud being a Philippine,” he claimed.

In recognition of winning the first gold medal for the Philippines at any Olympic Games, she was awarded PHP 35.5 million (approximately US$660,000) along with a house and a lot. The National government and tycoons from the private sector jointly gave these awards to her.

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Besides this, the Philippine Sports Commission guarantees a 10 million-peso incentive for every Olympic gold winner under Philippine law.

Manny Pacquiao wants to be counted amongst the all-time greats

Pacquiao (62-7) will feature in a boxing clash against Errol Spence Jr on August 21 at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada. He will fight for the WBC, IBF, and The Ring welterweight titles. Spence is the current holder of all titles barring the last one.

The Philippine legend believes a win over Spence is enough to guarantee him a place in the all-time great list. In an interview, he detailed what waits for him if he beats the American.

“Beating Errol Spence would be very special to me for all the obvious reasons and could elevate me into the discussion of being among the all-time greats in the sport,” He said. “We have a lot of hard work left to do first for that to happen.”

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Well, it shouldn’t be a debate if he is one of the greats or not. He is the only boxer to win 12 major world titles in 8 different classes. This should be sufficient to rank him amongst the greats.