IOC upholds age limit, denying Manny Pacquiao's Olympic dream for Paris Games

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has made it clear that boxing legend Manny Pacquiao will not be allowed to participate in the upcoming Paris Olympics due to age restrictions. Despite Pacquiao's remarkable career and desire to compete at 45, five years beyond the set entry limit for boxing, the IOC has decided to maintain the age cap at 40.

Pacquiao, who hung up his gloves in 2021, had expressed his ambition to enter the Olympic boxing tournament to be staged at the Roland Garros tennis complex, a venue famed for its Grand Slam tennis action. However, the IOC, which currently oversees Olympic boxing following the de-recognition of the International Boxing Association, has communicated its decision to the Olympic committee in the Philippines, affirming the adherence to the age limit.

The possibility of Pacquiao attempting to secure a spot in the Paris Olympics through the qualification tournaments scheduled to take place in Italy and Thailand remained uncertain. The Philippines Olympic Committee had previously considered seeking a "universality" entry for Pacquiao, a special provision that allows athletes from nations with limited Olympic representation and qualifying prospects to participate in the Games.

Nevertheless, the IOC clarified that the Philippines' recent Olympic performance precludes it from benefiting from the universality scheme. The country's consistent participation with more than eight athletes in individual sports over the last two editions of the Games disqualifies it from receiving such placements.

Manny Pacquiao, renowned for his illustrious boxing career, retired at the age of 42 after 72 professional fights, securing 12 world titles across an unprecedented eight different weight divisions. Despite his hopes of adding an Olympic appearance to his legacy, the IOC's decision marks the end of this particular chapter in Pacquiao's storied journey in the sport.

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