Manny Pacquiao, the legendary eight-division world champion, has seen his dream of competing in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris dashed. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has upheld its age restriction, denying the 45-year-old Pacquiao’s request for an exemption. This decision effectively closes the door on Pacquiao’s aspirations to add an Olympic gold medal to his illustrious boxing resume for the Philippines.
Pacquiao’s Olympic dream was seen as a fairy tale capstone to an already storied career. However, the IOC's age limit of 40 for Olympic competitors has been a significant barrier. Despite Pacquiao’s remarkable achievements and status as a global boxing icon, the decision has not been met with widespread disappointment among fans. Many believe that allowing Pacquiao to compete would unfairly deprive a younger, less accomplished boxer of the opportunity to represent the Philippines on the world stage.
Critics argue that Pacquiao’s participation in the Olympics would not only be unfair to emerging talents but also send the wrong message about the purpose of the Games. Additionally, Pacquiao's performances in exhibition matches since his retirement in 2022 have raised doubts about his competitiveness at the Olympic level, further diminishing the case for an exemption.
Abraham Tolentino, the president of the International Olympic Committee, expressed regret over Pacquiao’s disqualification due to age but emphasized the necessity of qualifiers in all sports for Olympic participation. This principle ensures that all athletes, regardless of their past accomplishments, must meet the same criteria to compete.
Pacquiao’s illustrious career, highlighted by victories over icons like Juan Manuel Marquez, Miguel Cotto, Keith Thurman, and Oscar De La Hoya, has left an indelible mark on the sport of boxing. However, with his last professional bout occurring in August 2021—a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas—Pacquiao’s era in the ring seems to have reached its conclusion.
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