Eight-weight professional world champion and future Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao has ruled out the possibility of him participating at this summer's Olympic Games, according to reports in his native Philippines.
There had been suggestions that Pac-Man would throw down with some of the world's finest amateurs in Rio following the AIBA's much-criticised push to allow professionals compete at this summer's Olympic Games.
Pacquiao, along with names such as Amir Khan and Wladimir Klitschko, had expressed an interest in participating under these new rules. Others, however, felt that the world's top pros had no business trading leather with their amateur counterparts - particularly in light of male amateur boxing's abolition of headgear. Some of Ireland's top amateurs, however, including medal hopefuls Michael Conlan and Paddy Barnes, scoffed at any notion that they would be at a disadvantage over a three-round distance, and welcomed the challenge - a sentiment recently echoed by Mike Tyson.
But Spin.ph are now reporting that Pacquaio - who announced his retirement from the pro game last month after decisively beating Tim Bradley - has informed the Amateur Boxing Alliances of the Philippines that he will instead focus on 'legislative work' in his new role of senator - this according to Ed Picson, executive director of the ABAP.
Pacquaio would have been a heavy favourite to win gold at either 140lbs or 147lbs - and hypothetically could have even met Ireland's Dean Walsh or Ray Moylette who must face a box-off ahead of the final Olympic qualifier in Baku.
Pacquiao was elected to the Philippine Senate last week, and Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco Jr. expressed no doubt that the boxing icon would bring home the nation's first gold medal from the Olympics. Pac-Man himself had previously asked the public if he should fight in the Olympics, as his involvement in the tournament would cause him to miss his first month in office.
