Is Manny Pacquiao truly walking away from sports?
After formally announcing retirement following his victory over Timothy Bradley, eight-division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao has also declined the wild card entry to Olympics offered by world boxing governing body AIBA.
His initial plans of entering the Olympics painted a picture of hope for the Filipino fans who are longing for a gold medal, seeing as he is the overwhelming favorite to win with his vast professional experience.
But the Filipino fans may have to wait even longer as the Filipino boxing icon made it clear that he wants to prioritize his political duties, now that he is one of the 12 senators proclaimed to serve a 6-year term.
The decision was relayed via Pacquiao representative to ABAP Executive Director Ed Picson.
The next Olympic games will be at the year 2020, at which time Pacquiao won't be eligible anymore since he is already past the age limit of 40.
The Philippines has already qualified two fighters for the Olympics - light flyweight Rogen Ladon and lightweight Charly Suarez - and will send 3 more to the Final Olympic Qualifiers - flyweight Ian Clark Bautista, bantamweight Mario Fernandez and welterweight Eumir Marcial - on June 11 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Each boxer who makes the semifinals will be qualified, plus the quarterfinalist who loses to the eventual gold medalist.
Source: Rappler
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