Could Manny Pacquiao compete in Rio Games?

Manny Pacquiao has reopened the possibility of him fighting at the Olympic Games in Rio this summer, despite his election to the Philippines senate last week having seemingly ended his boxing career.

Pacquiao, 37, has admitted he hopes to compete in Brazil, with moves afoot to allow professionals to fight for the first time.

“I need to ask the Filipino people if they will let me compete. I offer it as a gesture to the country,” Pacquiao said in a press conference this week.

International boxing chiefs are preparing to ratify a rule change that will allow professionals to compete alongside amateurs in all men’s Olympic categories. The proposed switch is the brainchild of Ching-Kuo Wu, president of the Amateur International Boxing Association, as an attempt to increase the popularity of Olympic boxing.

However, Pacquiao must make his decision quickly. Ed Picson, head of amateur boxing in the Philippines, has asked the fighters to finalize his choice by Friday.

“Manny must decide first, then we talk,” Picson told The Standard, a Filipino newspaper.

It was assumed that Pacquiao’s convincing victory over Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas last month was the swansong of an illustrious career that saw him claim world titles in eight weight classes. His political career is now entering a crucial phase, with his successful senate campaign meaning his time for training could be limited.

However, popular sentiment in the Philippines would lean towards Pacquiao competing. The nation has never won an Olympic gold medal in any sport.

Assuming the rule change goes through, Pacquiao would receive a wild-card spot for Rio, meaning he could skip the qualification process.

However, such a move would also come with risk. While bringing home gold would surely spark spectacular celebrations in his country, the whole thing could be a public relations disaster if Pacquiao either beats up on outmatched young amateur fighters, or even loses.

There is strong opposition to the proposal that would allow pros into the Games. Former heavyweight champion George Foreman said on Tuesday that he “dislikes” the idea, while even Pacquiao’s own promoter and friend Bob Arum described the prospect earlier this year as “preposterous.”

(Usatoday.com)