EIGHT-DIVISION world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, who told Philippine Olympic Committee vice president Joey Romasanta as early as 2008 that he wanted to represent the Philippines in the Olympic boxing competition and hopefully win the country’s first Olympic gold medal, may not be able to see his dream come true.
This was according to longtime International Olympic Committee member Frank Elizalde during the press conference at the Jade Garden in Glorietta 2 in Makati, announcing TV5 as the official broadcast partnet of the Rio Olympic Games
Elizalde indicated it would be near impossible for Pacquiao to fight in Rio, because the International Olympic Committee hasn’t approved the participation of pros in the Games.
He added that even if they approve the inclusion of pros, which would require a change in the AIBA Constitution, it is likely to come if at all by 2020, when Pacquiao is above the 40-year age limit.
With 100 days to go before the historic event, the Philippine broadcaster TV5 head of sports Patricia Bermudez Hizon told The Standard the network and all its various platforms are “ready for the challenge,” since they will also be covering and producing the games for Asia.
She said being the official Olympic broadcast partner “is an affirmation that TV5 is a true partner of sports.”
“The Olympics is an important event showcasing the value of sports as a part of nation building,” said Bermudez Hizon, echoing the consistent belief of Mediaquest Chairman Manny Pangilinan.
“As a group, we always believe in the value of sports in nation-building and in unifying the country in terms of sporting events and sports heroes,” Pangilinan said. “To be chosen as the official broadcast partner of a major sporting event like the Rio Olympics is a privilege.’