NO less than Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Bambol Tolentino cautioned Manny Pacquiao about backing the International Boxing Association of which he was recently appointed as vice president.
Tolentino reminded the Filipino boxing great about the current status of the IBA, which was expelled by the International Olympic Committee owing to issues on corruption, financial transparency, and alleged ties with the Russian government.
The IOC has since withdawn its support of the IBA and granted provisional recognition to a new body, World Boxing, starting in February this year.
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The former mayor of Tagaytay City was able to briefly talk to the 46-year-old Pacquiao about the matter during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Thrilla in Manila.
“Sinabihan ko siya na, ‘Sen, medyo kakaiba yang IBA. Hindi yan recognized ng IOC or what. Yan yung dating AIBA. Yan yung na-kick out sa IOC. So ingat lang,' sabi ko,” said Tolentino, recalling his conversation with the eight-division world champion.
As head of the country’s Olympic body, Tolentino said the POC is one with the IOC in its principle and belief.
“We cannot support that (IBA), sabi ko kasi hindi yan recognized ng IOC,” Tolentino added. “IOC and IF (International Federation). And hindi yun (IBA) yung IF.”
And Pacquiao’s response?
“Tumango lang siya,” said the POC chief.
Last week, the IBA made a surprising move when it appointed Pacquiao as its vice-president prior to the staging of the golden celebration of the Thrilla in Manila.
The IBA held its board of directors meeting led by President Umar Kremlev a day before the ‘Thrilla’ during which the appointment of the Filipino boxing icon as one of the top officials of the boxing body was announced.
Likewise, several IBA sanctioned fights were included as part of the Thrilla in Manila undercard, giving the notion the body infused financial support into the staging of the boxing event at the Araneta Coliseum that began in the afternoon of October 29 and ended at the wee hours of Oct. 30.
Pacquiao is a non-voting member of the IBA Board though, but as vice president, he was tasked to promote the ideals of the association, advise the body on strategic matters, and represent them in major international events and initiatives.
Tolentino stressed he wasn't remiss in giving advice to Pacquiao.
“Nasa kanya na yun kung paano niya iha-handle yun,” said the POC president. “Basta tayo we follow the IOC kung sino ang recognized nila."
Tolentino doesn’t see any IOC repercussions on Pacquiao’s move, but added, “Moral issue yun. Common sense na yun. Bakit mo susuportahan yung hindi recognized.”
Asked about his presence at the Thrilla in Manila, Tolentino was quick with his reply.
“Kaya ako nandun dahil kay Eumir (Marcial),” he said, referring to the Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist who eked out a majority draw against Venezuelan Eddy Colmenares in the main undercard of the Melvin Jerusalem-Siyakholwa Kuse WBC minimumweight title fight.
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