Manny Pacquiao will not be fighting at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024.

The Filipino had previously spoken about his desire to fight in the Olympics, a dream he had set his eyes on since his youth. But the boxer’s impoverished background prevented him from competing, something which he hoped to reverse. Under the terms of the Philippine Olympic Committee, its President (Bambol Tolentino) confirmed that any boxers wishing to compete had to be between the ages of 19 and 40.

But given that Pacman is 45, he was not allowed to compete. This could only be achieved if the Philippine Olympic Committee contacted the IOC, who gave an exemption. The General Secretary of the Philippines Association of Boxing Alliances, Marcus Manalo, had expressed his desire for that to happen.

Pacman’s Olympic Aim

“In boxing, it is explicitly stated that the purpose of universality places is for those countries that have a hard time or don’t typically qualify through the qualifying tournaments. But obviously, who doesn’t want Manny Pacquiao in their Olympic lineup? Obviously, he’s an absolute legend. But there are rules in place that we have to consider also.

“In the recent past, it has always been 19 to 40. Pacquiao is 44. So, it is a big stretch. But maybe we can challenge the age limit because we can assume that the purpose is to protect the boxers and their welfare. But I don’t know because if you’re IOC, if you’re going to make changes, you implement those changes in the next Olympic cycle.

“It’s all up in the air. But we’re hopeful about the appeal for a universality place because it would be extremely beneficial for us if it gets approved. We’re hopeful, but again, we must manage expectations,” Manalo stated 

Pacman Out Of The Olympics

Nevertheless, this has been now dismissed, leaving Pacman’s dreams behind him. In response, Tolentino had this to say. 

“Too bad our beloved boxing icon is disqualified because of his age and that everyone needs to go through qualifiers, in all sports, to be able to participate in Paris,” Tolentino stated

This naturally begs the question: What will Pacman do next? Well, the boxer has been linked with a Floyd Mayweather Jr. rematch. He did announce that he would be facing Mayweather during a RIZN event. While that may be the case, Mayweather has yet to back those comments up. But if Pacman wants to make a lucrative return, then a Mayweather bout would give him the chance to avenge his loss. He lost out to Mayweather in a unanimous decision, which he blamed on his shoulder injury. But based on his following comments, fans could see a rematch. 

Rizin CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara: “Fight against Floyd Mayweather next year?”

Manny: “Yeah, thank you so much for inviting me here again. I’m sorry for the last time that we promised that we’re going to fight this year. Next year I’m going to see you in Japan, again big fight against- Floyd Mayweather. Floyd Mayweather, yeah. I thought that you didn’t want me to say that. But I am excited about that. Thank you for always supporting Rizin and Sakakibara.”