Boxing icon still considered a national hero but mood dampens at home after defeat in world’s most lucrative fight.  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 a 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 mood was dampened not just by his loss but also a sudden downpour. Filipino sports writer Rick Olivares told Al Jazeera that it was “a sad fact but we really do have to admit that Floyd Mayweather definitely did win this match”.

It’s a sad nation, the national pride has been pricked and yes, the judges did pretty much get it right,” Olivares said. “I know that (Pacquiao) doesn’t want to end his career on a sour note. As we’ve said earlier this was a legacy fight and he’s taken a few losses in his last few bouts.

“It’s kind of tarnished his reputation as one of the greatest of all time but I think he’s going to be fighting at least one more time.”

Read More: aljazeera