Philippine Boxer Named Flagbearer For Olympic Opening Rites In Beijing

July 4, 2008 10:29 a.m. EST

Manila, Philippines (AHN) - Philippine boxing icon Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao, who recently captured his fourth world title, has been designated Friday as the country's flag-bearer at the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympic Games next month, a move viewed as unprecedented.

The 29-year-old professional boxer recently made history following a ninth round halt of reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion David Diaz, becoming the only Asian boxer to capture four world titles in four weight classes. Philippine president Gloria Arroyo Friday named Pacquiao to be the nation's flagbearer at the Olympic opening ceremonies at the Beijing Games this August. With his latest victory, Pacquiao also went into the books as the first Filipino fighter to win a world title at the lightweight category.

The newly crowned lightweight king accepted the duty saying he has no immediate plans after his recent conquest of Diaz and wants to inspire the Filipino athletes competing in the Summer Games in Beijing. The country is expected to send a 15-member contingent for the two-week Games, but Pacquiao is not among the athletes.

According to the former Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chairman Celso Dayrit, Pacquiao's designation as flagbearer despite being a non-participating athlete would be a first in Philippine sports history but added it possess no problem since there is no specific rule prohibiting such situation. However, he said that it could pose a problem with the organizers.

Olympic organizers are very strict about accrediting delegation members, Dayrit told the Philippines television network gmanews.

Since 1924, the Philippines has never selected a non-participating athlete to carry the country's colors.