The atmosphere yesterday was similar to a fight day of Sen. Manny Pacquiao of yore when time practically stopped in the entire nation during the boxing bout.

Filipinos later erupted collectively in celebration of his victory, the euphoria lingered on for days or even weeks.

President Rodrigo Duterte thanked Pacquiao for giving the Philippines pride and honor after winning the World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight title via a technical knockout (TKO) win over Argentina’s Lucas Matthysse in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“Thank you so much, Manny! You are truly the People’s Champ!” Duterte said in a press statement.

The President and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad watched the fight, the biggest boxing match in Kuala Lumpur since the 1975 heavyweight clash between Muhammad Ali and Australian Joe Bugner.

In the match held at the Axiata Arena, Pacquiao showed his old form in knocking down the Argentine brawler in the third and fifth rounds.

In the seventh round, Matthysse spit his mouth guard, prompting the referee to stop the fight to the delight of the crowd including the Filipino leader.

“I would like to congratulate Senator Manny Pacquiao for giving us pride and bringing the Filipino nation together once more,” Duterte said.

“You have proven time and again that you are not just a public servant but one of the greatest boxers of all time,” he added.

The President said Pacquiao’s first stoppage win in nine years “will surely cement, yet again, your position and legacy in boxing’s Hall of Fame.”

“May you continue to inspire Filipinos not only in boxing but also in the public service,” Duterte said.

Malacañang officials also joined in the celebration.

Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said Pacquiao’s victory is a singular honor not only for him but also for all Filipinos in the world.

“Like what I have said before the boxing bout, Manny’s fight is the battle of the entire nation,” he said.

His victory is also the success of the entire nation, Go added.

“Once more the heart, the courage and the skill of the Filipino was on full display in the world stage,” Go said.

“I am confident that our Pambansang Kamao (national fist) will continue to serve as inspiration to many Filipinos to uplift their lives from poverty through courage, skill and faith in God,” Go said.

“We thank our Pambansang Kamao (national fist) for not only bringing honor and glory to our flag and country but once again uniting Filipinos here and abroad with his display of courage, tenacity and will power,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in a statement.

Senators also gave tribute to their peer.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Pacquiao showed he still has what it takes to be a world champion.

“I thought I was watching Manny 10 years ago,” Sotto said in a message.