ARUM BLASTS IDEA OF PACQUIAO FIGHTING IN THE OLYMPICS
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 06 Apr 2016
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum has blasted the idea of eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao fighting in the Olympic Games in Rios this August.
ABAP executive director Ed Picson announced that they are keeping a slot open in the light welterweight division in case Pacquiao decides to fight in the Olympics after Pacquiao was approached by AIBA president Dr. Wu who Offered Pacquiao a direct entry into the tournament without having to qualify
through the preliminary rounds.
Pacquiao recently said ?I am thinking about it. It would be a chance to represent my country, and I?m not closing the door on it.?
But promoter Bob Arum blasted the idea in an interview with Steve Carp of the Las Vegas Review Journal saying ?It?s not only insane, it?s dangerous.
You?re going to put professionals in the ring with a 17- or 18 year-old kid? Someone?s going to get seriously hurt. These people need their heads examined.?
Arum added, ?It makes no sense. It?s a ridiculous idea. What, so they (AIBA) can make money off these guys? I don?t see it happening.?
However, Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach who briefly worked with USA Boxing during the 2012 London Olympics said he wouldn?t try to talk Pacquiao out of it, and if Pacquiao wanted him in his corner for the Olympics, he would be there.
Roach revealed ?I told him he has a couple more fights left in him. We talked about him fighting in the Olympics. How realistic is it that it would happen?
I have no idea. But if Manny decided it was something he wanted to do and could do, I told him I?d support him and help him.?
Pacquiao received a hero?s welcome when he arrived at the lobby of the MGM Grand in Las Vegas after his opponent on Sunday, Manila Time, Timothy ?Desert Storm? Bradley arrived to a loud welcome from fans as they prepared for their trilogy which is likely to be the most exciting of their encounters.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Villanueva to fight Antaran on April 27 in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025MASOUD AND MCGRAIL CLASH IN ALL-BRITISH SHOWDOWN
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Semifinals Conclude at 2025 USA Boxing International Open
Sun, 20 Apr 2025FM Arca is inching closer to his 3rd and final IM norm
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Weigh-In Results: Fundora and Conwell Ready for Golden Boy Fight Night in Oceanside
Sat, 19 Apr 2025Undefeated, rising Canadian prospect Eric Basran wins in Opening round to advance to quarterfinals of inaugural Riyadh Season/WBC Boxing Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia
Sat, 19 Apr 2025WEIGHTS FROM LONG BEACH
Sat, 19 Apr 2025Weights From Washington, PA
Sat, 19 Apr 2025Jerald Into Advances in WBC Boxing Grand Prix with Dominant Win Over Ahmad Jones
Sat, 19 Apr 2025Press Conference Notes: Keyshawn Davis Set for Homecoming Title Defense against Edwin De Los Santos at Norfolk's Scope Arena
Sat, 19 Apr 2025JAKE PAUL vs JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR / ZURDO RAMIREZ vs YUNIEL DORTICOS JUNE 28 in ANAHEIM
Sat, 19 Apr 2025June 8: Junto Nakatani-Ryosuke Nishida Bantamweight Unification Showdown Headlines Tokyo Super Card Streaming LIVE on ESPN+
Sat, 19 Apr 2025Thursday’s Action at the 2025 USA Boxing International Open Concludes
Sat, 19 Apr 2025H2O Sylve Returns to the Ring April 26th At Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta Amado Vargas Is Co-Main Live On BLK PRIME
Sat, 19 Apr 2025FM Arca bounces back, defeats IM Laohawirapap of Thailand in 6th round
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 19 Apr 2025