Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao could compete at 2024 Olympics at age of 45
Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao wants to make a return to the ring by competing at the Olympics in Paris next year.
The legendary eight-division former world champion hung up his gloves after losing a decision to Yordenis Ugas in his final world title fight two years ago. Pacquiao, who turns 45 at the end of the year, was back in the ring last December as he faced popular YouTube star and self-declared 'martial arts expert' DK Yoo in an exhibition fight.
Pacquiao has inquired about qualifying for the Paris Games, which take place from next July to August, according to Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino. He said that conversations are underway between the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines [ABAP] and the International Olympic Committee [IOC].
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“Senator Pacquiao’s camp reached out saying our Filipino ring idol wants to fight in Paris, but the Senator can no longer vie for qualification in the Asian Games in Hangzhou next month," Tolentino said in a statement. One factor that could pose an issue for Pacquiao is his age as the Asian Games, a qualifier for the Olympics, has an age limit of 40.
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There are two qualifying tournaments set in the first and second quarters of 2024 that Pacquiao would need to compete in to qualify for the Games. Tolentino said that Pacquiao could also secure himself a spot under the Universality rule, but there are only four of the spots available for men at the Paris Games. Unsurprisingly, the ABAP would accept Pacquiao into the national team to help assist in his qualification.
Pacquiao was linked to a fight against Conor Benn earlier this year and was also called out by UFC legend Conor McGregor for a bare-knuckle fight. 'Pacman' is expected to meet muay thai legend Buakaw Banchamek at the start of next year in an exhibition fight, but a date is yet to be announced for the crossover bout.
"It's exciting a thing to have a fight with a great muay thai fighter like Buakaw, I'm excited to come back here and fight in Thailand because my last fight here was in 1998. He is a very popular fighter in muay thai. Boxing is very different than muay thai, so it will be hard for him to adjust without using elbows and knees," Pacquiao said of the fight.
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