Pacquiao rules out Rio Olympics stint, sets focus on Senate
With the Philippine National flag in background, Filipino boxing great and now Senator Manny Pacquiao stands while a citation is being read to him during ceremony at the Commission on Elections Thursday, May 19, 2016 in suburban Pasay city south of Manila, Philippines. Pacquiao has won a seat in the Philippine Senate based on an unofficial count bringing him closer to a possible crack at the presidency. Pacquiao said he will retire from boxing to become a full-time politician. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
Manny Pacquiao won’t be making any Olympic glory anytime soon as the eight-division world champion passed up on a chance to compete in the Rio de Janeiro Games.
Ed Picson, Amateur Boxing Alliances of the Philippines president, said late Thursday night Pacquiao would not compete in the 2016 Summer Games and instead would focus on his new responsibility as a member of the Philippine Senate.
“Last night, received word from Team Pacquiao that Sen. Manny has decided to prioritize his legislative duties and begged off from the Olympics,” said Picson in a tweet.
Picson added they respect Pacquiao’s gesture and wished him luck in his next six years as part of the Philippine Upper House.
“Abap respects Sen. Manny’s decision and wishes him luck in his work in the Senate.”
Pacquiao previously expressed his interest to join the Philippine Olympic Team since he never experienced competing in the amateurs after he was thrust into the professionals at the age of 17.
Rio would be the first Olympics to feature professional boxers with the International Boxing Association spearheading the move, something professional boxing body World Boxing Council heavily condemned.
