President’s Hall, Malacañan Palace
August 3, 2022

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. received Filipino champion boxer Dave ‘Dobermann’ Apolinario during a courtesy call at the President’s Hall in Malacañan Palace.

The President congratulated the boxing champ on his accomplishment that brought pride to Filipinos around the world, citing his record of 17 wins with no defeat and 12 knockouts.

“Nagpapasalamat ang buong Pilipinas sa ‘yo, na pinasikat mo na naman kami. At gusto naming iwagayway ulit ang ating bandila para magcelebrate. Hindi lamang nitong championship, lahat ng laban mo. 17-0. Biruin mo, 17-0. At tsaka 12 knockouts. Pambihira, mukha ka namang mabait. Hindi mo akalaing kaya mong magknock out ng tao. Pero ganyan talaga ang champion. Kalma-kalma lang pero pag napasok sa ring e naiba na,” President Marcos Jr. expressed in his remarks.

He added, “So maraming, maraming salamat sa iyong dinala na kasiyahan and to bring the pride of Filipinos na maipagmalaki namin na kaming mga Pilipino, sa iyong pagpanalo, e masasabi naming kami namang mga Pilipino, we are world class. Yan ang iyong ginawa, maraming salamat and congratulations sa iyong pagkapanalo.”

The ‘Dobermann’ handed over a pair of signed gloves to President Marcos Jr. In return, the Chief Executive signed another pair of gloves for Dave Apolinario and gave him a commemorative gold coin.

The unbeaten professional boxer is the newest Filipino athlete to bring home the International Boxing Organization (IBO) World Flyweight belt after knocking out the 3-division former world champion Gideon Buthelezi of South Africa.

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