Manny Pacquiao’s fairytale ending just hit a wall. The International Olympic Committee has officially rejected the Filipino legend’s request to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics — not because of skill, but because he’s 45. Rules are rules, and the Olympic age cap for boxers is 40.
Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) had hoped to close out his iconic career with one last run for the Philippines, chasing the only thing missing from his trophy cabinet: an Olympic gold. But the IOC wasn’t having it. No exemptions, no exceptions, not even for a man who defined an era.
IOC Says “No Exceptions” — Even for Pacquiao
The move didn’t surprise insiders. Once Pacquiao’s request hit Lausanne, it was a long shot at best. IOC President Abraham Tolentino put it plainly: “Too bad our beloved boxing icon is disqualified because of his age, and everyone needs to go through qualifiers.” Translation? Nobody gets a free pass, not even an eight-division world champion.
And let’s be honest — sentimentality doesn’t win fights. Since hanging up the gloves, Pacquiao’s two exhibitions haven’t exactly screamed “Olympic form.” He’s slower, less sharp, and a long way from the monster who beat Cotto, Thurman, and De La Hoya.
Fans Divided, But the Era’s Over
Most fans reckon it’s the right call. Why bump a hungry young boxer for a millionaire senator chasing nostalgia? It might have been a storybook ending, but it wouldn’t have been fair. The Games are supposed to be about the next generation, not curtain calls.
Pacquiao’s last real fight was his 2021 loss to Yordenis Ugas — a tough watch that showed time had finally caught up. That night probably marked the true end, even if he didn’t admit it. The Olympic rejection just makes it official.
Tom Galm has covered the global boxing scene since 2014, specializing in heavyweight analysis, business trends, and fighter psychology.