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Why Pacquiao declined offer to compete in Rio Olympics

Pacquiao was offered a wild card ticket for the finals competition provided he commits to participate on or before May 27, the date set for the submission of final entry for qualifiers games scheduled to start June 11 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

“I have decided to prioritize my legislative duty as I owe it to the people who voted for me,” said Pacquiao, who was proclaimed last week as one on the 12 senators elected to serve a six-year term.

“I believe I don’t have enough time to prepare (for the Olympics),” Pacquiao added.

Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) Executive Director Ed Picson said he was informed that Pacquiao has declined the ABAP invitation to give more time to his legislative duties following his election in the senate.

“ABAP respects Sen. Manny’s decision and wishes him well in his work in the senate,” Picson told RingTV.com.

Pacquiao is willing and eager to put the country in the Olympics gold medal standing but is worried of the opposition from both his promoter Bob Arum, who is dissuading him from participating, as well as his critics who have made an issue about his absenteeism while serving as a two-term congressman representing the lone district of Sarangani.

Arum has consistently opposed Pacquiao’s planned entry into the Olympics boxing competition saying it is insane to allow professionals in the Olympics.

“The idea you’ll allow professionals into the Olympics at this short notice is absolutely insane,” promoter Bob Arum said. “These people ought to have their heads examined.”

Arum explained that other games like basketball, professional players may be allowed but it would different in a game like boxing being a hurt game where amateurs’ health may be put at risk.

“Pros can play basketball in the Olympics, yes,” Arum said. “But in basketball you just dunk over somebody. It’s not a hurt game. If you put experienced pros in with rank amateurs, there will be serious health consequences,” he added.

Arum is pleased to learn that Pacquiao has decided not to compete in the Rio Olympics saying, “he followed good advice.” It could have been terrible seeing him beat up 17 year old kids,” he added.

Arum’s advice to Pacquiao is to solidify himself as a senator.

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