Pacquiao reiterates desire to box in Olympics

Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao reiterated his desire to represent the Philippines in the Olympics next year.

Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association founder and chairman Manny Pacquiao answers questions from the pedia during the press launch of the new league at the Sheraton Hotel Manila on Friday, September 15, 2023. PHOTO BY RIO DELUVIO

Pacquiao made this known during the launch of his new league, the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA), at the Sheraton Hotel on Friday, September 15.

“[I'm] waiting for that [possibility]. I'm excited for it. From the very beginning, the reason I went to Manila is because I wanted to join the Philippine national team,” said Pacquiao in Filipino.

“But I wasn't picked up because they said I don't know how to box. That's why I was forced to turn professional at the age of 16. But from the very beginning, my dream and my heart's desire is to win a gold in the Olympics.”

Pacquiao first expressed his desire to participate in the Olympics last month, with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham 'Bambol' Tolentino announcing it.

There are two ways in which Pacquiao can qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The first is through two Olympic qualifying tournaments set in the first and second quarters of 2024.

The other is for Pacquiao to secure a berth under the Universality Rule, which the International Olympic Committee would grant. There are, however, only nine places under Universality at the Paris Games—five for women and only four for men.

The upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China would have been another qualifier for the Olympics but Pacquiao, 44, could no longer compete in the tournament because it has an age limit of 40 years old for boxing.

Volleyball league

Determined to accomplish his mission of giving more Filipino athletes a chance to compete, Pacquiao founded the MPVA which practically carries the same format as his Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).

“There are so many good players that just don't get a chance. I'm hoping the MPVA will be an institution league here in the country especially for homegrown players,” said Pacquiao.

Blue Hawks, Marikina, Caloocan, Rizal, Biñan, Agusan, Manila, Bulacan, Bacoor, Quezon City are the 10 teams participating in the inaugural MPVA tournament which follows a home-and-away format like the MPBL.

For its maiden tournament in October, the league will be for women volleyball players only but, Pacquiao said, it will expand with the men's tournament next year.

A junior's division of the league is also in the pipeline.

“We'll also have the junior MPVA later like the junior MPBL,” said Pacquiao.