WBC PRESIDENT SULAIMAN SAYS PACQUIAO?S DECISION NOT TO FIGHT IN THE RIO OLYMPICS IS ?A BREATH OF FRESH AIR?
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 28 May 2016
World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman has commended eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao?s decision confirming he will not fight in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games as ?a breath of fresh air to the current concern in the boxing community of the world.?
Sulaiman told The Standard it is ?embarrassing to see how the amateur authorities of Thailand lower themselves still trying to justify their offer to the great Manny Pacquiao to represent the great boxing country of the Philippines, stating that they have not won a medal since 1996 in Atlanta.?
He said ?that is a reality. Amateur boxing is not what it used to be and there are many changes that need to be implemented to save amateur boxing but to have pros in the Olympics is certainly not the solution and is highly dangerous to the well-being of the fighters.?
Pacquiao informed ABAP, the National Sports Association for boxing in the Philippines that he had decided ?to prioritize his legislative duties? after he was proclaimed a senator following his victory in the last senatorial elections with more than 16 million votes.
ABAP president Ricky Vargas said they respected Manny?s decision and ?wishes him well in his work in the Senate and added, ?he will be most welcome to come to Rio.to cheer our athletes on.?
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