Pacquiao begs off from Olympics

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao has decided not to compete in the coming Rio Olympics, and instead will focus on his duties and responsibilities as a duly-elected Philippine senator.

Pacquiao’s decision was relayed to members of the media late Thursday night, the eve of the deadline set by the Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines.

“Manny Pacquiao has decided to prioritize his legislative duties,” a statement from the camp of the eight-division boxing champion and now senator said.

Pacquiao has toyed with the idea of competing in this year’s Olympics, set Aug. 5-21, and hope to win the elusive gold for the Philippines.

The prospects of Pacquiao vying in the Olympics first came when the International Boxing Federation (AIBA) said it was opening the doors for professional boxers starting this year.

Pacquiao had shown great interest, saying even when he was starting out as a boxer he had wanted to represent the country in international competitions.

But he found an easier way up the pro ranks to become the most exciting fighter of his generation. Still, he was tickled with the idea of winning an Olympic gold.

Pacquiao is scheduled to take his oath as senator on June 30 and in July his work as a senator, following his stint as a two-term congressman in Sarangani, officially begins.

“The ABAP respects Sen. Pacquiao’s decision and wishes him well in his work in the Senate. He will be most welcome to come to Rio to cheer on our athletes,” said ABAP chief Ricky Vargas.

“He (Pacquiao) said he wants to prioritize his duties as a senator. And we welcome his decision,” said ABAP executive director Ed Picson.

With Pacquiao now out of the picture, Picson said they can now focus harder on the task ahead, which is to qualify more boxers to the Rio Games.

So far, light-flyweight Rogen Ladon and lightweight Charly Suarez are guaranteed slots to Rio. Three more boxers –  flyweight Ian Clark Bautista, bantamweight Mario Fernandez and welterweight Eumir Felix Marcial –  will compete in the final Olympic qualifier on June 14- 26 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

In the 2012 London Olympics, only one Filipino boxer in light-flyweight Mark Anthony Barriga qualified.

Had Pacquiao decided to vie in Rio, he would have fought in the light-welterweight division (140 lbs). Yesterday was the deadline to name entries to Baku.

“Now it’s time to move on. It’s time to concentrate on our boxers who have qualified to Rio and those still trying to qualify,” said Picson.

Over the past few weeks, the ABAP official said most calls he’s been getting were inquiries on Pacquiao’s planned stint in Rio, adding that at one point he got a direct call from the AIBA president.

“It was Dr. Wu who was very excited seeing Pacquiao compete in the Rio Olympics. That’s why he sent the invitation to Pacquiao. The ABAP acted as the conduit,” said Picson.

If Pacquiao decided to compete in Rio, then he would have to plunge into training as soon as possible.

The AIBA was willing to give Pacquiao a wild card berth to the Rio Games, but Picson also discussed with Pacquiao the possibility of him going through next month’s qualifier

Picson had burned the lines with Pacquiao and his men, and just weeks ago he visited the boxing icon in his residence in Forbes Park.

“He was interested so I had to explain to him the rules,” said Picson, who had to remind Pacquiao that in amateur boxing, all three rounds are fought like the last three rounds of a professional fight.

Pacquiao assured Picson that he can manage, and those who were around during the recent meeting even suggested that to make things easier, Pacquiao can try to knock all his opponents out.

“But it’s easier said than done,” said Picson, noting the different styles between amateur and professional boxers.

“I also had to remind Manny that if he competes in Rio, he will have to stay inside the Athletes Village, together with members of the Philippine team and the other athletes,” said Picson.

Pacquiao was also reminded that should he advance to the succeeding rounds, he will have to be weighed on a daily basis, not knowing whom he’d be fighting next.

For Pacquiao to win the gold, he will have to win four or five bouts.

“There was no guarantee of a victory. Definitely none. The problem was the expectations would have been very high. Anything can happen in Rio,” said Picson.

“We would have gladly welcomed him to the team. But now that he has expressed his desire to focus on his duties as a senator, we wish him luck,” he added.

The Philippines has never won the gold in the Summer Olympics, and while boxing has provided two silver and three bronze medals, the lonely search for the gold continues.

Pacquiao is not joining the hunt.