Former boxing champion Manny Pacquiao will not be allowed to compete at the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics.
Pacquiao, who retired in 2021, was hoping to get an exemption to waive a rule that you can compete beyond 40 years of age. However, the International Olympic Committee ruled they will not change the rule.
Pacquiao, 45 years old, wanted to take part in the upcoming games from Paris, France. Boxing matches are expected to be held inside Roland Garros tennis complex.
According to ESPN, the IOC wrote to Olympic officials in the Philippines explaining the reason for the age limit of 40 for boxers and why it would be upheld. The IOC now oversees Olympic boxing after recognizing the International Boxing Association.
The age limit was raised by six years in 2013 from 34 to 40. Pacquiao could have competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but opted against it to remain at home as an elected senator.
The Philippines was looking to get a so-called “universality” entry to the upcoming Games. Those allow a free pass to events given to countries that have few athletes and struggle to qualify on merit.
“Universality places are not allocated to (teams) with an average of more than eight athletes in individual sports/disciplines at the last two editions of the Olympic Games,” the IOC said. “This is the case for the Philippine Olympic Committee.”
Pacquiao ended his career in 2021 after 72 fights. He captured 12 world titles at a record eight weight classes during that time.
