THE Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines has a slot ready for People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao in case he decides to carry the country’s tri-colors in the Rio Olympics in August in Brazil.
ABAP executive director Ed Picson on Tuesday said that the 64-kg (lightwelterweight) slot is open for Pacquiao if he wants to become the first Filipino professional boxer to see action in the Olympics.
So far, two ABAP boxers—Charly Suarez and Rogen Ladon—have already qualified for Rio on account of their medal finishes in the recent Asian-Oceanian Olympic Qualifiers in Qian’An, China.
Picson said they are still within their target of sending six boxers to the Olympics and Pacquio could be the seventh.
“We are realistic with six qualifiers to the Olympics in the 49, 52, 56, 60 and 69 kilograms. Nilaktawan namin ang 64 kilograms. We’re looking at Dennis Galvan pero meron pang isa, baka kilala niyo, si Manny Pacquiao,” said Picson
“Pinag-uusapan namin ‘yan (about Pacquiao). Although he has not given his firm commitment, parating sinasabi niya sa akin interesado siya,” added Picson, who however, clarified that it has yet to be discussed if Pacquaio will still go through the regular qualifying or get a free ride to the quadrennial event.
It looks as though that AIBA is very much interested to have Pacquiao in the Olympics.
“Nitong nasa China kami, kinausap kami ni Dr. Wu Ching-Kuo (president of AIBA), kung interesado ba talaga si Manny and sabi niya may bakante ka 64-kg lightwelter,” said Picson of the weight perfect for Pacquiao.
The ring icon is currently in the US, preparing for his third meeting with American Timothy Bradley at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) in what could be he farewell professional fight.
During his preparation for the fight, Pacquiao was heard muttering: “Olympics, Olympics.”
Picson revealed that during his meeting with Pacquiao in Doha, Qatar, he was joking about the Olympic medal as the only one missing in his collection.
“Sabi nga niya, hindi pa siya nakakapunta ng Rio at gusto raw niyang pumunta,” said Picson.