TACLOBAN, Philippines – Thousands of residents whose lives were devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyan rejoiced Sunday (November 24th) when Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao dominated Brandon Rios in Macau, AFP reported.

Tacloban residents cheered, hugged and cried after Pacquiao defeated Rios in a unanimous decision, as they gathered around large screens provided by the government throughout the city.

Pacquiao, who is also a congressman in the Philippines, declared after his victory that his priority is to visit the devastated city.

The typhoon, which left almost 7,000 people dead and missing after striking central Philippines, hit when he was in the midst of pre-fight training camp.

"So I was just praying for them and sent my staff in Congress and also my people in General Santos to bring them help and relief goods," Pacquiao said at a post-fight press conference. "This fight was for the families and the people affected by the typhoon – I am just happy that God answered my prayer."

Pacquiao said at the conference his team is working out the logistics of his trip to Tacloban. The boxer returned on Monday to his hometown of General Santos, Philippines on Mindanao island.