Malacañang praised Nonito Donaire and Brian Viloria for their victories over their respective opponents Sunday, dubbing the successes as a “renaissance of the Philippines in boxing”.

"It's a great day not just for boxing aficionados but also for the entire Philippines to have two more titles in boxing," said Press Secretary Cerge Remonde in a report posted on the government’s website Ops.gov.ph,

He said that sports, particularly boxing, "is a great unifying factor for all people”, citing the presence of opposing political camps among the audience at the historic Araneta Coliseum.

"I was also near former Senate President Franklin Drilon while former president Joseph Estrada also watched the match from the other side," Remonde said.

Remonde said he was lucky to have personally watched the boxing encounters along with Vice President Noli de Castro, House Speaker Prospero Nograles, broadcaster Rey Langit, and other friends.

Estrada spent his 72nd birthday by watching the “The Filipino Flash” clash with Martinez at the Araneta Coliseum. Reports said Estrada is set to be a godparent in Donaire’s wedding.

Estrada was accompanied by his sons Jacob and San Juan Mayor Jose Victor “JV” Ejercito, former senator Ernesto Maceda and Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco.

Donaire, the reigning IBF flyweight king, successfully defended his title via technical knockout in the fourth round of his fight against Raul Martinez at the Araneta Coliseum.

Donaire, dubbed “The Filipino Flash,” dominated the match, scoring “two knockdowns in the first round and one in the second round.” In the fourth, Martinez was ultimately stopped “following a big left uppercut” from Donaire.

Viloria knocked out Ulises Solis of Mexico in the 11th round to become the new IBF junior flyweight champ.

The challenger’s right cross decked Solis for good at the 2:56 mark of the 11th round.

Viloria is the former WBC junior flyweight champion.