Eight division champion Manny Pacquiao, 44-years-old, will await a decision from the International Olympic Committee [IOC] with respect to boxing at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
According to the Gulf Times, the Philippines made a “special request” to the IOC to allow Pacquiao to box at the Paris Games despite the Filipino star exceeding the age limit.
Pacquiao retired from boxing in 2021, after suffering a twelve round decision loss to late-replacement Yordenis Ugas.
Pacquiao would attempt, and ultimately fail, at making a run at the Philippines presidency.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino informed AFP that he sent a letter to the IOC two weeks ago 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.
As previously reported, there are nine universality places for boxing in Paris – five for women and four for men. The spots will be confirmed on June 7.
“[Pacquiao is] physically fit, better than other athletes,” Tolentino said to AFP.
If Pacquiao’s position is confirmed, Tolentino explains that it wouldn’t derail the chances of other Filipino boxers qualifying for the Paris Olympics.
Pacquiao, the only fighter in boxing history to win world titles in eight weight classes, has always dreamed of one day capturing a gold medal in the Olympics.
Pacquiao recently revealed that he tried many years ago, as a young amateur, to join the squad of fighters who were representing the Philippines in the Olympics. The amateur coaches felt Pacquiao not good enough,
In 2024, Pacquiao is slated to take part in at least two exhibition fights.