Senator-elect Pacquiao uncertain about Olympics: ‘Ask the Filipino people’

MANILA, Philippines – Newly-elected Philippine senator Manny Pacquiao said he will “consult with people” about whether he will pursue a spot in the 2016 Olympic boxing tournament in Rio de Janiero later this year.

Pacquiao, answering brief questions from reporters after being proclaimed as a senator at the Commission on Elections on Thursday, May 19, said it would not seem proper if he will compete in the Rio Olympics.

“People will say that this person was just elected and in August, he wants to compete in the Olympics,” said Pacquiao.

“I need to ask if the Filipino people will allow me to participate in the Olympics.”

Pacquiao had reportedly been offered a wild card by amateur boxing’s international ruling body AIBA president Dr. Ching Kuo Wu to compete in the Olympics without having to participate in a qualifying tournament, but Pacquiao has yet to give indication to Ed Picson, executive director of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines, about whether or not he’ll accept.

(READ: There will never be another Manny Pacquiao)

Welterweight Eumir Marcial, who usually represents the Philippines at international events, lost in the box-offs of the Olympic qualification tournament in China last month, injuring his left hand and leaving a spot open for Pacquiao.

The 8-division world champion had remained mum on the matter after beating Timothy Bradley Jr last month, in what Pacquiao said would be his final fight.

(READ: Senator-elect Pacquiao on absences: I’ll do my best)

Mahindra Enforcers team manager Eric Pineda had previously confirmed to ABS-CBN that Pacquiao will become “very active” with the Philippine Basketball Association franchise he was named player-coach of, saying “he has more time to work with the team.”

Pacquiao said he will support initiatives to discover young athletic talent from the countryside. – Rappler.com