Marcos hails 'Dobermann' Apolinario, Filipino champion boxer
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has lauded boxer Dave "Dobermann" Apolinario for winning the International Boxing Organization (IBO) flyweight title.

"Binabati natin si Dave 'Dobermann' Apolinario sa kanyang pagkapanalo sa katatapos lamang na IBO World Championship na ginanap sa East London, South Africa (We are congratulating Dave 'Dobermann' Apolinario for winning in the recently-concluded IBO World Championship held in East London, South Africa)," Marcos said in a tweet on Thursday, Aug. 4.
Marcos met Apolinario on Wednesday, Aug. 3, when the latter paid a courtesy call to Malacañang.
The President congratulated the boxing champion on his accomplishment that "brought pride to Filipinos around the world," citing his record of 17 wins with no defeat and 12 knockouts.
During the meeting, Apolinario handed over a pair of signed gloves to the President. In return, the Chief Executive signed another pair of gloves for the Filipino boxer and gave him a commemorative gold coin.
"Ang kanyang dedikasyon at pagsusumikap na ipinamalas sa larangan ng boksing ay di matatawaran at karapat-dapat lamang na ipagmalaki (His dedication and determination in the field of boxing cannot be underestimated and we must take pride in it)," Marcos said.
"Makakaasa po kayo na ating susuportahan ang mga susunod na laban ng bawat atletang Pilipino (You can expect that we will support every Filipino athlete in their future fights)," he added.
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.
READ MORE: Apolinario scores 1st rd KO vs African foe, wins IBO flyweight title