Igagalang ng Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines (ABAP) kung anuman ang maging desisyon ni Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao habang hinihintay nila ang deadline sa pagsusumite ng entries sa huling Olympic qualifier na gaganapin sa Baku, Azerbaijan.
“Sen. Pacquiao has already given so much pride to the Filipino and our country,” pahayag ni ABAP president Ricky Vargas. “We, as a people, are grateful. Just his presence watching our boxers fight in the Rio Olympics is already a great honor and an inspiration to our boxers.”
Ito’y tanda umano ng mataas na respeto nila kay Pacquiao.
“Not fighting in the Olympics will not tarnish in any way our respect and admiration for Sen. Pacquiao, although he is so much welcome, of course, if he decides to compete,” aniya.
“We await his decision.”
Sinabi rin ni Vargas, tatlong araw bago nila ipadala ang line- up ng RP boxers sa Baku organizers, na sa loob at labas ng ring ay itinuturing nilang napakahalagang guest ni Pacquiao para sa kanila sa Rio Games.
“He is most welcome if he does decide,” ani Vargas. “If not, we invite him to watch our boxers fight in Rio to inspire and cheer them on.”
Nag-umpisa ang lahat ng mismong si AIBA president Dr. Ching-Kuo Wu ang mag- imbita kay Pacquiao para makipagsapalaran upang makamit ang mailap na unang Olympic gold ng bansa. Isasagawa ngayong weekend sa Switzerland ang final meeting ng IABA para sa isyu ng pagpayag sa ‘pro boxer’ sa Rio Games. (Marivic Awitan)
