Manny Pacquiao would not fight in the Rio Olympics if it’s opened up to all professional boxers, his longtime promoter said, according to the Manila Times.
“If you’re going to ask me about Manny’s participation, it’s unrealistic,” promoter Bob Arum said, according to the newspaper. “I know competing in the Olympics is prestige, but the lack of time and preparation will make it really impossible and unrealistic for Manny and [Filipino super bantamweight champion] Nonito [Donaire]. They also have a contract with us.”
On Wednesday, AIBA president Ching-Kuo Wu said a proposal to open Olympic boxing to all fighters could be ratified within months, potentially in time for the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in August, according to The Associated Press.
Pacquiao, 37, is scheduled to fight Timothy Bradley on April 9 and could retire after that fight.
“I do not think it [the Olympics] is going to happen,” Pacquiao adviser Michael Koncz said, according to the newspaper. “What’s the benefit for Manny competing in the Olympics? To get injured?”
Pacquiao never boxed in previous Olympics, but he did carry the Philippines’ flag into the Beijing 2008 Opening Ceremony.
The Philippines has won nine Olympic medals, none gold.
