Eight-time world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao has expressed interest in represent the Philippines at the 2016 Summer Olympics. 

"It would be my honour to represent the country in the Olympics. If I would be asked to represent boxing, why not? I would do everything for my country," Pacquiao told AFP during an interview.

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He disclosed that he had already been invited personally by the IBA (International Boxing Association) President Wu Ching-Kuo to represent the Philippines in the said upcoming event.

The 2016 Summer Olympics will run from Aug. 5 to Aug. 21 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio beat three other cities - Tokyo (Japan), Prague (Czech Republic), and Baku (Azerbaijan) - to secure the right to host the competition this year.

Rio 2016 will bring together more than 10,500 athletes to compete in many fields of sports such as aquatics (diving, swimming, synchronized swimming), badminton, cycling, golf, football, canoeing, equestrian, fencing, hockey, Taekwondo, wrestling, and volleyball, among others. Up to 350 medals await the best of the best athletes from all over the world.

Pacquiao was recently bashed by the LGBT community and advocates of equality rights following a statement he made against same-sex marriage. A lot of angry Filipinos have condemned Pacquiao for comparing homosexuals with animals. Following his controversial statement, Nike, who has sponsored Pacquiao for many years now, dropped the boxing champ as its endorser.

Pacquiao has sinced apologized to the LGBT community for what he said. In a YouTube video posted, Manny apologized for comparing humas with animals but said he stands firm on his beliefs against same sex marriage. 

Tagsmanny pacquiao, manny pacquiao olympics, olympics 2016, Rio 2016, Rio Olympics 2016