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MANILA. — Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao said yesterday 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 nation’s Senate and harbours dreams of becoming president, said he wanted to instead 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.

Pacquiao (37) had previously said his victory over American Timothy Bradley last month would be the final fight of his career so he could pursue his political ambitions.

But Pacquiao never fully closed the door on his boxing career, saying he could be tempted out of retirement for a chance at Olympic glory in August or another mega-bucks fight against arch-rival Floyd Mayweather. — AFP