Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao remains connected to fighting sports, although most know his love for boxing is unprecedented. After retiring in September 2021, most expected the eight-division world champion to take it slow and focus on politics.
He has done just that, although his knack for entering the ring remains.
Last December, Manny Pacquiao took on South Korean YouTuber DK Yoo in an exhibition boxing match. The Pac-Man won via unanimous decision over the YouTuber, although many were hoping to see a knockout victory, RingTV reported. However, it did not alter the professional boxing record of the 44-year-old.
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Now, in a shocking development, it appears Pacquiao wants to fight competitively again.
In a press release by the Philippine Olympic Committee on Wednesday, August 30, POC President Abraham Tolentino reveals that the camp of the Filipino boxing icon reached out and inquired about how Manny Pacquiao can qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"Senator Pacquiao's camp reached out saying our Filipino ring idol wants to fight in Paris," Tolentino said.
However, seeing Pacquiao at the 2024 Paris Olympics seems daunting. Fighting at the 2024 Asian Games would have been one way. Unfortunately, athletes across all sports have an age limit of 40 years old. This instantly shuts the door on the Pac-Man.
The POC president suggested that Pacquiao could instead qualify for an Olympic berth if he goes through two Olympic qualifying tournaments in the first and second quarter of 2024.
A third option would be to go through the Universality rule, which the International Olympic Committee could grant. However, only nine slots are available under Universality at the Paris Games-five for women and only four for men.
Pacquiao is already projected to be a future boxing Hall of Famer, having proven his worth in the sport. The sudden interest in the Olympics has caught many by surprise, although we expect the Filipino and his camp to be resilient in this goal.
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