Manny Pacquiao Is Back In Training – Will He Compete At The Olympics?

In the latest boxing news, Manny Pacquiao is reportedly back in training as the boxer aims to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. 

The eight division champion’s career may not have ended on the highest note following his loss to Yordenis Ugas. However, Pacman has spoken about his aspirations of winning an Olympic gold in the past. The dream was ultimately hindered from a young age as a result of Pacman’s poor upbringing. 

Manny’s Dream

“[I’m] waiting for that and I’m excited about it. From the beginning, I went to Manila to be part of the Philippine team, but I wasn’t picked, I was rejected…because they said I was not good. My heart and desire is to claim a gold medal in the Olympics,” Pacman stated

But this time around, the boxer faces a new challenge. President Bambol Tolentino, of the Philippine Olympic Committee, has stated that any boxers who compete must be between 19 to 40.

This would rule Manny out since the boxer is 44, while he is expected to turn 45 by the time the games arrive. Nevertheless, an exemption does exist which requires the Committee to contact the IOC to make it happen via a ‘universality blueprint.

Marcus Manalo, who happens to be the General Secretary of the Philippines Association of Boxing Alliances, was hopeful of a resolution. 

“In boxing, it is explicitly stated that the purpose of universality places is for those countries that have a hard time or don’t typically qualify through the qualifying tournaments. But obviously, who doesn’t want Manny Pacquiao in their Olympic lineup? Obviously, he’s an absolute legend. But there are rules in place that we have to consider also.

“In the recent past, it has always been 19 to 40. Pacquiao is 44. So, it is a big stretch. But maybe we can challenge the age limit because we can assume that the purpose is to protect the boxers and their welfare. But I don’t know because if you’re IOC, if you’re going to make changes, you implement those changes in the next Olympic cycle. It’s all up in the air. But we’re hopeful about the appeal for a universality place because it would be extremely beneficial for us if it gets approved. We’re hopeful, but again, we must manage expectations,” Manalo said

Manny Back In Training

Always work hard. Never stop giving 💯 👊🏽 pic.twitter.com/LegeHVmbsV

— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) October 18, 2023

And by the looks of it, Pacman is optimistic in light of the following training footage. In the video above, Pacman can be seen working the pads with his trademark left hand doing the damage.

Although the Olympic dream is the priority, Pacman was expected to face Buakaw Banchamek in an exhibition in 2024. However, if the Olympic route opens up, then there is no guarantee that the bout with Banchamek goes ahead.

Regardless, Pacman’s focus is on staying in shape in the hope of some big news moving forward. So the question remaining is will he make it to the Olympics? Time will tell how it all plays out moving forward.