Manny Pacquiao considers boxing in 2016 Summer Olympics

If professional boxers are allowed to compete in the 2016 Summer Olympics, Manny Pacquiao might just delay his retirement a few months.

The Filipino superstar is scheduled to face Timothy Bradley in April for what he has called the last fight of his career, but that could change if international boxing officials follow through with a plan to alter the sport’s amateurs-only rule.

“It would be my honor to represent the country in the Olympics,” Pacquiao told Agence France-Presse. “If I would be asked to represent boxing, why not? I would do everything for my country.”

The AIBA announced its intention to allow pros into the Games last month. Officials believe the policy could be modified in time for national boxing federations to select teams for Rio de Janeiro this summer.

Promoter Bob Arum had previously said he did not think Pacquiao would be interested in fighting in the Olympics. The 37-year-old fighter would certainly be a headline performer in Rio, if perhaps a controversial one.

His public stand against homosexuality -- and recent comments comparing gays to animals -- has sparked widespread criticism. Nike ended its business partnership with him.