Thursday sees the second preliminary round get underway, with all eyes on the big match-up between Cuba’s 2015 Panamerican Games victor Andy Cruz and Russia’s European Games gold medallist Bakhtovar Nazirov.
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Earlier, Pacquiao was accorded a warm welcome to Qatar by Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) secretary general Dr Thani Abdulrahman al-Kuwari, AIBA president Dr Ching-Kuo Wu and Qatar Boxing Federation president and Local Organizing Committee (LOC) executive director Yousuf Ali al-Kazim.
Al-Kazim added: “It’s fantastic to see the universal appeal of Manny Pacquaio and the effect he has”.
Britain’s Amir Khan has been touted as a potential opponent for former sparring partner Pacquiao, having given up on hopes of fighting Mayweather now that the undefeated American has pledged to retire following his defeat of Andre Berto. If you are a senator, your focus should only be your job and your family. “To be a senator is no joke as the whole country is your responsibility”, he said. “I will announce that when I file my candidacy”, he said in response to a query.
The devout born-again Christian said he will be needing support of Filipinos back home and overseas – including in Qatar – in his senate bid.
Speaking predominately in Tagalog, Pacquiao said “one month before the fight” he dreamt he “lost the decision” and that he was thankful God “had revealed” the outcome beforehand.
Earlier yesterday, Taz Khan, the uncle and manager of Amir, told AFP that talks had begun with the Filipino’s management team, but “at the moment that’s all there is”. It’s important to reach out to new generations and new places, which is why I have come to Doha to offer my support. What would Pacquiao done if his dreams had told him other stuff?
“I am very happy with the way my career has shaped up over the years”. I have travelled and met a lot of people during the course and it has opened new doors for me. I became a congressman and now I would be standing for the Senate.
Diaz said that if Pacquiao loses to Khan – a boxer he’s already familiar with – then there’s no more sense for the Filipino to continue in the sport.
Which is tougher-being a boxer, or being a politician? I believe I can now help more people, especially the poor and the needy.
Asked about his top fights, Pacquiao said: “Ah!”
Ah! I have had many big fights in my career. “A few of these were against Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Juan Manuel Márquez, Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather”.
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Pacquiao, whose record stands at 57 wins, two draws and six losses, blamed a shoulder injury for his poor showing against Mayweather and is desperate to make amends before finally hanging up his gloves.
