Manny Pacquiao said it would be “my honor” to represent the Philippines at the Olympics, according to Agence France-Presse.
“If I would be asked to represent boxing, why not?” Pacquiao said in a statement Wednesday, according to AFP. “I would do everything for my country.”
Last Wednesday, International Boxing Association (AIBA) president Ching-Kuo Wu said a proposal to open Olympic boxing to all fighters could be ratified within months, potentially in time for the Rio Games in August, according to The Associated Press.
Pacquiao, 37 and the only boxer to hold world titles in eight weight divisions, is scheduled to fight Timothy Bradley on April 9 in what may be his last bout as a professional.
Filipino media previously reported that Wu spoke with Pacquiao at the AIBA World Championships last October about possibly fighting at the Rio Olympics.
On Tuesday, AIBA did not confirm, deny or comment on a report that Pacquiao could be offered a wild-card spot in the Rio Olympics.
“The extraordinary congress vote will take place on 31st May 2016 concerning pro eligibility, if ratified, eligibility and registration to compete at Olympic Games is at the discretion of the national federation,” AIBA said in a statement.
Pacquiao’s AFP statement came five days after his longtime promoter and adviser reportedly dismissed the possibility that Pacquiao could fight in the Olympics if it’s opened up to all pro boxers.
Pacquiao never boxed in previous Olympics, but he did carry the Philippines’ flag into the Beijing 2008 Opening Ceremony.
The Philippines has won nine Olympic medals, none gold.
