Age Is Not the Only Reason Behind the Demise of Manny Pacquiao’s Olympic Dream

Eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) recently had to lay his Olympic dream to rest. ‘Pacman,’ who had expressed interest in taking part in the 2024 Summer Olympics, had a special request for his participation rejected by the International Olympic Committee. While age was an issue that contributed to his rejection, it looks like it might not have been the only reason for the demise of his Olympic dream.

Pacquiao wanted to box in the medal bouts at the Roland Garros Tennis Complex in Paris. In a message to Olympic officials in the Philippines, the IOC explained the age limit for boxers of 40 will be upheld. The cutoff age was previously 34 but was changed to 40 in 2013.

At 45, Pacquiao’s age was undoubtedly an issue for competition. Hence, the Philippines Olympic body had hoped to get him an exemption through a ‘universality’ entry. Notably, universality places are given to athletes from countries that have difficulty securing Olympics spots under regular qualification criteria.

However, this was not successful in Pacquiao’s case. “Universality places are not allocated to [teams] with an average of more than eight athletes in individual sports/disciplines at the last two editions of the Olympic Games,” the IOC mentioned. “This is the case for the Philippine Olympic Committee.”

On the other hand, Pacquiao seems to have accepted that his Olympic dream wouldn’t come to fruition. “While I am very saddened and disappointed, I understand and accept the age-limit rules,” he said in a statement.

What’s next for Manny Pacquiao?

‘Pacman’ is all set to test his mettle against Muay Thai legend, Buakaw Banchamek (242-24-14, 73 KOs) on April 20, in Bangkok. The ‘Match of Legends” is being organized by Thailand’s Fresh Air Festival Co Ltd and cinema operator SF Corporation.

“We are honoured to have Manny ‘PacMan’ Pacquiao and Buakaw Banchamek for this historic event. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you won’t want to miss,” said Vinij Lertratanachai, CEO of Fresh Air Festival.

This exhibition fight will comprise of six three-minute rounds with two-minute breaks. With a sensational fight in the books, it sure looks like the IOC’s rejection might not sting as much.

Joshua Ben Joseph

Joshua Ben Joseph is a Boxing writer renowned for his unparalleled coverage of live events and insightful interviews with prominent athletes in the world of combat sports. With a career spanning over several years, he has authored more than 800 articles. As an experienced editorial cartoonist and investigative journalist, Joshua has a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering quality content. Aside from his writing, Joshua is an avid powerlifter and solo traveler, embodying the same spirit of determination and exploration that he brings to his work. With a deep love for the sport of boxing that dates back to childhood, he is committed to delivering the highest quality content and helping to build a more transparent and credible industry.

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