IOC to Deny Pacquiao Entry to 2024 Olympics

45-year-old Manny Pacquiao (62-8-2, 38 KOs) expressed his desire to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. However, the legend's dream will not come true. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) informed the Philippine Olympic Committee that the organization decided to adhere to the age limit for boxers (40 years) set in 2013, thereby denying Pacquiao's request.

The Philippine NOC had submitted a request in October 2023 for "universal" access to the Paris Games for Manny. "Universal" access is a pass to competitions for countries with a small number of athletes in competitions. The IOC reviewed the application and explained: "Universal places are not distributed among countries that have had an average of more than 8 athletes in individual disciplines at the last two Olympics – this applies to the Philippine Olympic Committee as well."

Pacquiao has not officially boxed since August 2021, when he lost by decision to Yordenis Ugas. Since then, Manny has participated in several exhibition matches. At the beginning of 2024, the Filipino's advisor announced that the boxer would return to the ring this year.