Manny Pacquiao is unlikely to box in the Olympics if pros are allowed, Bob Arum says

Don’t count on Manny Pacquiao to be in Rio de Janeiro if a proposed rule change allows pro boxers to compete in the upcoming 2016 Summer Olympics.

“It’s good for so many young Filipino professional boxers if ever it happens. It boosts the chance of the Philippines to end the [Olympic gold medal] drought,” promoter Bob Arum told the Manila Times. “But if you’re going to ask me about Manny’s participation, it’s unrealistic.”

The international boxing federation (AIBA) announced this week that it was proposing to amend its rules on Olympic eligibility, opening the door for pros. The modification could take effect in time for the Summer Games.

The move appears to be further evidence of the AIBA’s campaign to reach beyond amateur boxing and become a power broker throughout the sport. It’s team-oriented World Series of Boxing and APB Pro Boxing have yet to gather much steam.

On Friday, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman told the Associated Press that the AIBA “does not have a clue of what boxing means and represents.”

ALSO

Waiter sues Manny Pacquiao and CBS for a piece of the Mayweather fight purse

Magic Johnson: ‘I won’t be watching another one of Manny Pacquiao’s fights’

Manny Pacquiao may be violating a Philippine election law with his bout against Timothy Bradley