Pacquiao to skip Rio, knocking out Philippines' best chance for gold

Manila

BOXING legend Manny Pacquiao said on Friday that he would skip the Rio Olympics even if professionals were allowed to compete, knocking out the Philippines' best chance of winning its first gold medal.

Pacquiao, who was this month elected to his country's Senate and harbours dreams of becoming president, said he wanted instead to focus on his political career. "I have decided to prioritise my legislative duty as I owe it to the people who voted for me," the eight-time world champion and national hero said.