Sen. Manny Pacquiao is confident that Filipino boxers remain the country’s biggest hope of capturing an Olympic gold medal, with the multi-titled world champion focusing on two Olympiads: 2024 in Paris and 2028 in Los Angeles.
Pacquiao, an eight-division title holder, said that is the reason why he and the Philippine Sports Commission, in partnership with the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP), will launch a tournament that will identify potential talents for the Olympics.
“Mas madali tayong makakakuha ng gold medal sa boxing sa tingin ko,” said Pacquiao, who chairs the Senate committee on sports, during the formal launch of the PSC-Pacquiao Amateur Boxing Cup last Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Vito Cruz, Manila.
“Hindi naman sa minamaliit natin yung ibang sports. Aksyunan naman natin lahat; all sports priority natin, pero unahin lang natin ang boxing kasi boxer ako,” added Pacquiao, who assured he will impart his knowledge to all upcoming fighters.
PSC Chairman Butch Ramirez said the idea to hold the tournament first came up when he visited Pacquiao in his senate office, with the boxing icon mentioning the state of amateur boxing in the country.
