Pacman to help lobby for Suarez Olympic bid

MANILA, Philippines - Judging from videos of Charly Suarez’s fight in the Olympic qualifiers that he saw, boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao is convinced the Davaoeño pugilist deserves a slot in the London Games.

That’s why the “Pacman” is joining the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) in lobbying for Suarez’s entry via the tripartite invitation place (TIP) in the lightweight wars in London.

According to ABAP executive director Ed Picson, Pacquiao and AIBA president Dr. Ching Kuo Wu are in constant communication regarding the Pinoy icon’s possible support of AIBA’s programs like World Series of Boxing (WSB) and AIBA Pro Boxing (APB), and he took the opportunity to bat for Suarez.

“In one of his letters to Dr. Wu, Manny appealed on behalf of his fellow Mindanaoan (Suarez). He said he saw Charly’s bout on YouTube and he thought Charly deserves to reach the Olympics,” Picson said in Filipino yesterday.

“In response, Dr. WU assured Manny that right after the continental qualifiers, AIBA will discuss the matter on the tripartite invitations and they will deliberate whether they can award one to Charly Suarez,” he added.

Suarez failed to get an automatic berth to London after losing to China’s Qiang Liu, 11-15, in the gold medal match of the Asian qualifiers.

The ABAP leadership, led by president Ricky Vargas and chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, has already formally requested the AIBA for Suarez’s participation.

Only one boxer has qualified for the London Games so far, lightflyweight Mark Anthony Barriga, who secured his berth during the World Championships. Lady boxer Nesthy Petecio will seek to follow suit when she competes in the AIBA Women’s World Championships on May 9–20 in  Qinhuangdao, China. 

“It’s a good thing that Manny is endorsing our appeal for Charly, although it’s no guarantee,” Picson said, hopeful that AIBA will consider the case of Suarez, described as one of the “most exciting” amateur boxers around.

Picson has been tapped by Wu to help AIBA communicate with Pacquiao for his possible involvement in/ endorsement of AIBA’s pro-flavored programs, the WSB and APB.

The WSB is a boxing competition without headguards or vests, with professional-style scoring, featuring teams like the Mumbai Fighters where Suarez competes. 

Set for launch next year, the APB is designed to provide an opportunity for boxers worldwide to move into the professional ranks and still have the opportunity to participate in the Olympic Games, starting in Rio in 2016. 

Under the APB, boxers will have a minimum of four fights a year and enjoy monthly salaries, free food and access to training equipment under the auspices of the various AIBA-affiliated national federations.

“Manny is interested. He said the benefits that AIBA will provide through APB and WSB will be good for the boxers,” Picson said.