By NIKOLE JAVIER
Manny Pacquiao is looking to extend his legendary boxing career in the biggest stage of all — the Olympics.
Not only that.
His ultimate goal in the global showpiece is to win a gold medal.
“From the beginning, di ba, sabi ko nagpunta akong Maynila para sumali sa Philippine team noong araw. Kaso lang hindi ako nakuha, na-reject ako dahil hindi raw ako marunong,” said Pacquiao during Friday’s launching of the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association at the Sheraton Manila Hotel in Pasay City.
The “rejection” forced him to turn pro at the tender age of 16.
“So ‘yon iyong dahilan noon. Pero from the beginning, pangarap and puso ko ay makakuha ng gold medal sa Olympics,” he furthered.
The eight-division boxing world champion and one of the country’s most successful athletes is actually exploring his options on how he can compete in the upcoming 2024 Olympics which begins in July in Paris.
In 2016, professional boxers have been allowed to compete in the quadrennial tournament.
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham Tolentino had revealed that the sports governing body is also helping Pacquiao’s case and looking for ways he can qualify as one of the 124 eligible male boxers.
“Waiting for that,” said Pacquiao.
