IOC will not modify boxing age limit to allow Manny Pacquiao to compete in the Paris Olympics at age 45

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will not change its regulations to allow renowned Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao to take part in boxing at the Paris 2024 Games since he is five years older than the age requirement.

Pacquiao, who retired from professional boxing in 2021, planned to compete at the Olympic boxing event in Paris, where medal fights would take place at the Roland Garros tennis complex.

The International Olympic Committee denied Pacquiao’s exceptional request to participate, the Philippine Olympic Committee stated on Sunday. “While I am very saddened and disappointed, I understand and accept the age-limit rules,” stated an announcement from Pacquiao.

The IOC said Sunday it wrote to Olympic officials in the Philippines to convey that the 40-year-old age restriction for boxers will be enforced. Following the de-recognition of the International Boxing Association, the IOC currently administers Olympic boxing.

Pacquiao intended to end his boxing career with a gold medal for the Philippines at the Olympics. Unfortunately, Pacquiao’s (62-8-2, 39 KOs) exemption request was refused owing to the Olympic athletes’ age limit of 40. Fans are generally unimpressed with Pacquiao, given that he has already had a tremendously successful career, made millions of dollars, and is set for life with his vast money.

The age restriction for Olympic boxing was lifted from 34 to 40 in 2013, potentially allowing Pacquiao to fight in the 2016 Rio Olympics. However, he chose not to compete in the Olympics at the time since he had been elected senator of the Philippines.

Although it is unclear if Pacquiao intended to compete for a spot in the Paris Olympics through qualification events in Italy and Thailand, the Philippine Olympic Committee investigated the possibilities of obtaining a “universality” entrance for him.

However, the IOC indicated on Sunday that the Philippines had been too successful to profit from the arrangement. “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 International Olympic Committee (IOC) said. “This is the case for the Philippine Olympic Committee.”

The Philippine Olympic Committee President, Abraham Tolentino, stated on Sunday that the IOC decision will deprive the nation of a “sure podium or first-ever gold” in Olympic boxing.

Pacquiao stated that he will continue to back and cheer for Filipino athletes partaking in the Olympics. He also told his followers that, despite his retirement, he plans to “bring pride and honour to my country inside the boxing ring in the near future.”

Pacquiao, known for his stellar boxing career that included 72 fights and 12 world titles in eight weight classes, announced his retirement in September 2021 at the age of 42. Despite his illustrious career in the sport, his desire to compete in the Olympics will remain unfulfilled under the present IOC standards.