POC chief advises caution for Manny Pacquiao in new allegiance with IBA

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Bambol Tolentino has warned Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao of his new position as Vice President for the International Boxing Association (IBA).

The IBA worked alongside the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for boxing in the Olympics until recently, after the boxing body was exposed to corruption and alleged ties with the Russian government.

Tolentino said he reminded Pacquiao during the 50th anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila last Wednesday, Oct. 29, that he needed to proceed with caution as the IBA’s vice president due to its stained reputation.

“Sinabihan ko siya na, ‘Sen, medyo kakaiba yang IBA. Hindi yan recognized ng IOC or what. Yan yung dating AIBA. Yan yung na-kick out sa IOC. So ingat lang,’ sabi ko,” Tolentino recalled.

“We cannot support that (IBA), sabi ko kasi hindi yan recognized ng IOC,” Tolentino added.

When asked what the former eight-division world champion replied, Tolentino said Pacquiao only nodded his head.

Despite the warning, Tolentino stressed that it was up to Pacquiao on what he wanted to do, as long as it didn’t interfere with the IOC’s values.

“Nasa kanya na yun kung paano niya iha-handle ‘yon. Basta tayo we follow the IOC kung sino ang recognized nila,” said Tolentino.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

LOOK: Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino (second from right) presents the 24 medalists of the just-concluded Asian Youth Games in Bahrain during a press conference at the East Ocean Restaurant in Pasay City on Monday (Nov. 3, 2025).

The Philippines… pic.twitter.com/5tTKsajQLJ

— Philippine News Agency (@pnagovph) November 3, 2025

Pacquiao was appointed the vice president of the IBA before the Thrilla in Manila 2 card, which held several IBA-sanctioned fights.

According to a press release by the IBA, Pacquiao’s duties in the association were to promote the values, advise officials, and represent them in international or local activities.

Despite this, Tolentino questioned the appointment and Pacquiao’s decision to align himself with the association.

“Moral issue yun. Common sense na yun. Bakit mo susuportahan ‘yong hindi recognized,” Tolentino said.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate basketball fans.