The American boxer was happy to meet the Secretary and the Davaoeños, who welcomed him in Lanang.

Mayweather said, “I am excited to be here. Filipinos are great people, that’s why I extended my vacation here. I really appreciate your friendliness and hospitality.”

For his part, Secretary Go, who follows boxing, basketball and watersports, told Mayweather, “welcome to the Philippines and welcome to Davao. I hope you enjoy your visit to our country and spend time to see its beautiful places of interest.”

Mayweather and his team spent a day in the Pearl Farm Beach Resort on Samal Island, where they enjoyed some watersports activities such as jet skiing, kayaking and power boating.

Mayweather, who successfully competed and defended his championship belt from 1996 to 2007 and 2009 to 2015, boasts of 50-0 career win-loss record, which included a successful one-fight comeback in 2017 wherein he defeated the Philippines’ Manny Pacquiao.

Go is also a known boxing fan aside from his passion for basketball.

Mayweather was with former Ilocos Sur governor Luis Chavit Singson, a close ally and adviser to Senator Pacquiao.

ADVERTISEMENT

Mayweather arrived in Manila on Tuesday for what was described as a trip aimed at embracing his Filipino fans.

In a media interview in Manila, Mayweather also said he was in the country to recruit Filipino fighters for his stable. / muf / jpv