Pacquiao at Olympics can create inspiration for national team: Philippine boxer

Manny Pacquiao fights against Yordenis Ugas during the WBA welterweight championship boxing match at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Aug. 21, 2021. Photo by AFP/Patrick T. Fallon

"I would love to see him (Pacquiao) compete in the Olympics. His presence alone could definitely boost my confidence,’" Marcial told the Inquirer. "We all look up to him, he's our hero."

Last month, Philippines has made a "special request" to the International Olympic Committee to let Manny Pacquiao box at the Paris Games, AFP reported.

Manny, 44, is way past the Olympic age limit of 40. He retired from professional boxing in 2021 to make a failed tilt at the Philippines presidency.

If an exemption for Pacquiao is made, he can make his way to the Olympics through qualification tournaments in Italy and Thailand next year.

The Philippine Olympic Committee also said they were seeking a "universality place" for Pacquiao.

Universality places are given to athletes from countries that struggle to secure slots in the Olympics through normal qualification channels. There will be nine universality places for boxing at the Olympics next year, with five for women and four for men.

Marcial, 28, jumpstarted his pro career in the U.S. three years ago thanks to Pacquiao's backing.