Pacquiao eyes Paris Olympic stint sans qualifiers

MANILA, Philippines -- Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is still keen to get to the Paris Olympics next year, but without going through the qualifiers.

In an interview Friday, Pacquiao, probably one of the most decorated boxers in the history of the sport, said that he is already requesting to participate in next year’s meet “without qualifiers.”

“I’m requesting… to allow me to participate in Olympics, para maganda,” he told reporters.

If Pacquiao will not be competing in qualification tournaments, the only way he can go to the Olympics is by universality places.

There are nine universality places for boxing -- five for women and four for men -- according to the Olympics website.

The confirmation of universality places will be on June 7 next year.

“I’m hoping na payagan nila ako mag-participate without qualifiers,” he added.

Pacquiao earlier voiced desire to participate in the Paris Olympics, telling reporters that it has always been his dream to get to the competition.