Marcial thrilled to join Pacquiao in Paris

Newly-minted Asian Games silver medalist Eumir Marcial is excited over the possibility of fighting side by side with his idol, Manny Pacquiao, in the Paris Olympics next year.

Marcial, who is fighting professionally under Pacquiao's MP Promotions, said it would be an honor for him and his fellow boxers to have the eight-division world champion join their Olympic campaign.

"I would be so proud to be with Sir Manny in the Olympics. It would be a huge honor for us amateur boxers to have a legend play in the Olympics," Marcial said.

"But of course, the IOC (International Olympic Council) has to allow him to fight and if that happens, I know us amateur boxers will be more inspired to join Sir Manny."

Pacquiao, 44, expressed his intention to join the biggest sporting spectacle in the world.

In fact, Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino already reached out to the International Olympic Committee to endorse the possibility of having Pacquiao join Team Philippines in the Summer Games.

"I am grateful to the Philippine Olympic Committee under the leadership of Abraham Tolentino for making a recommendation to the IOC to process my eligibility to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games," Pacquiao said in a statement.

"I believe that age is not a barrier to fulfilling our dreams. A clear heart and mind always finds its way to realize our dreams."

But getting the Filipino legend into the Olympics will be easier said than done as amateur boxing would only allow players to compete until they are 40 years old.

Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines president Marcus Manalo is hoping that they could appeal to the IOC, citing Pacquiao's physicality and work ethic as the main reasons for giving him the green light to join.

"Well, we can assume the age limit is to protect the boxer's welfare because you're not sure about the conditioning. Maybe we can use it as a turnaround because this 44-year-old is much more conditioned than other 30-year-olds," Manalo said.

"It's all up in the air, but we're hopeful on the appeal for universality place because if it gets approved, obviously, that would be extremely beneficial for us."

Manalo said having Pacquiao in the Summer Games will not only boost the national team's morale but also draw a lot of attention to the Olympics.

"Who doesn't want Manny Pacquiao in their Olympic lineup? Obviously, he's an absolute legend. But there are rules in place that we have to consider also. We're hopeful, but again, we have to manage expectations," Manalo said. IVAN SUING