MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao, now a duly-elected senator, has shown some hesitation on his possible stint in the Rio Olympics in August and his dreams of handing the Philippines its first gold medal in the Summer Olympics.
As he prepared to run for the Senate, Pacquiao expressed his willingness to represent the country in this year?s Olympics. But following his convincing win at the polls, there seems to be some hesitation.
?Baka ma-criticize tayo (We might be criticized),? Pacquiao said Wednesday night.
Pacquiao is quite concerned about missing sessions in the Senate, just when he has just taken his oath. If he vies in Rio, he should begin training soon for the Aug. 5-21 Games. ADVERTISING inRead invented by Teads
It will take Pacquiao at least six weeks to prepare for the Olympics, meaning that from time to time he may have to skip his duties and be absent on the Senate floor.
The other day, the 37-year-old boxing icon and two-term congressman of Sarangani took his oath as senator, along with 11 others who were elected to a six-year term. Sportshub ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
After his proclamation, Pacquiao faced reporters and was asked whether or not he was ready to put his boxing shoes back on to compete in Rio.
?People will say that this person was just elected and in August, he wants to compete in the Olympics. I need to ask if the Filipino people will allow me to participate in the Olympics,? he said.
Pacquiao is leaving it up to the people, meaning that if there?s a clamor, then he?ll head to Rio.
The former eight-division world champion has until May 27, the deadline for submission of entries for the final AIBA Open Olympic qualifying set in Baku, Azerbaijan next month, to decide.
As a congressman, he was severely criticized for his absenteeism, mainly because he had to train for his fights. In the Senate, where there are only 24 seats compared to the 250-plus in Congress, his presence is a must.
Besides, Pacquiao may have to study harder and undergo some crash course to prepare himself for his senatorial duties, and this may require some sleepless nights.
When he first became a congressman in 2010, Pacquiao took a 10-day crash course on Development Legislation and Governance at the Graduate School of Public and Development Management of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP).
He also took a one-week course on Congressional protocols at the University of the Philippines (College of Public Administration and Governance). At that time, he said he was interested in taking up law.
Pacquiao formally announced his retirement from boxing following a unanimous victory over American Timothy Bradley last April 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Even before and after his third fight with Bradley, questions on a possible Olympic stint faced Pacquiao, who said he?s willing to do it for flag and country.
?Why not?? he often said.
The Philippines has never won a gold in the Summer Olympics, winning a handful of bronze and silver medals, the last one coming in Atlanta in 1996.
Boxer Mansueto Velasco won the silver 20 years ago. Still, majority of Filipinos believe that boxing stands with the biggest chance of winning the elusive gold for the country.
The Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines has left a slot in the light welterweight class (140 lbs) open for Pacquiao in the team to Rio.
His promoter, Bob Arum, suggested that Pacquiao forget boxing and focus on being a senator.
Pacquiao, many believe, including Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco, has a very strong chance of winning the gold in Rio.
Others suggest that if Pacquiao, who may end up facing boxers who weren?t even born yet when he turned pro in 1995, can easily march into the medal bouts in Rio, the land of Ipanema beaches.
