In the latest boxing news, Manny Pacquiao will have to overcome a significant hurdle if he is to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

The boxer is no longer competing at a professional level, however, his love for the sport still remains. Since his retirement following the loss to Yordenis Ugas, Pacman has been entertaining exhibitions.

And that has now led to a desire to compete at the Olympics. Manny has been outspoken over his Olympic dreams in the past, which were prevented due to the boxer’s time growing up in poverty.

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," Manny said

Although that may be the case, there is one obstacle. In order to compete at the games, boxers must be between the age of 19-40.

Pacman is 44, which does currently rule him out, unless he is given an exemption. But the Philippine Olympic Committee could pursue an exemption through the use of a ‘universality blueprint.’

The organization would then have to contact the IOC in order to make it happen. Those steps have been taken by the Olympic committee as the IOC can give this status to four male boxers.

The General Secretary of the Philippines Association of Boxing Alliances Marcus Manalo had this to say.

Manny’s Issue

"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 stated 

Ultimately, Pacman is a legend of the sport. After all, he is an eight-division champion. But his presence could also have a detrimental impact.

The Olympics are an opportunity for the next generation of boxers to showcase their talent. Therefore, Manny could take up the place of someone who is up-and-coming in the ranks.

Although boxing may largely want to see Pacman, the question is whether Manny should be given a chance at the expense of the next generation. And there is no getting away from that.