Boxing: Sadness, disappointment in Philippines after Pacquiao defeat |05 May 2015

Sadness and disappointment gripped Filipinos after Manny Pacquiao's defeat in his much-anticipated fight against American Floyd Mayweather Jr. but they still considered the boxing icon a national hero.

Gymnasiums and other public venues where the 12-round fight was shown for free on Sunday lunchtime (local time) were quickly vacated after it was announced Pacquiao lost by unanimous decision.

Herminio Coloma, a spokesman for President Benigno Aquino III, said ''the country still holds its head high in the admirable fight of our National Fist.''
He said Aquino thanked Pacquiao, who is also a congressman, for being ''an inspiration to every Filipino who is struggling with life's challenges to achieve a bright future.''

Some fans said Pacquiao should retire from boxing while others demanded a rematch. For thousands at a plaza in Marikina city, part of metropolitan Manila, the party mood was dampened not just by his loss but also a sudden downpour.

Roland Purificacion, a 45-year-old pedicab driver who watched the fight on a huge television screen outside the Quiapo Church in central Manila, was disappointed but spoke for many of his compatriots when he said Pacquiao ''is still the people's champ. He is still our hero.''

Security guard Melchor Yaba, 48, said he lost 5,000 pesos (US $113), a half month's salary, betting on Pacquiao.

''I can't accept that he lost. I now regret it,'' he said, referring to his bet. ''He cannot retire yet. Let's have a rematch.''

Louis Tinsley, a 25-year-old tourist from Manchester, England, and his fiancée, Jade Broadhurst, were among the early birds at San Andres eager to support Pacquiao.

''In the eyes of Filipinos he is a role model ... a very humble man, which is not usual for a boxer. That's his most endearing quality,'' Tinsley said.

At the Manila branch of the country's biggest mall operator, SM, the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight was shown in six of its 12 theaters.

Pacquiao lost “The fight of the Century” on points in a bout where Mayweather has been heavily criticised for not putting up a good show for the millions of fans watching around the world. Some even feel that Pacquiao was robbed of the win and that Mayweather did not do enough to deserve it.