Manny Pacquiao eyes Olympic stint, says POC chief Tolentino

Boxing icon and former Senator Manny Pacquiao is eyeing for a stint in the 2024 Paris Olympics, according to Philippine Olympic Committee chairman and Tagaytay City mayor Abraham Tolentino.

Tolentino said Pacquiao's camp has reached out to them on how the eight-division champion could earn a slot for the Paris Games.

"Senator Pacquiao’s camp reached out saying our Filipino ring idol wants to fight in Paris,” Tolentino said in a statement.

“But the Senator can no longer vie for qualification in the Asian Games in Hangzhou next month.”

The Asian Games also serves as an Olympic qualifier and has an age limit of 40 for competitors in all sports.

However, Tolentino said the 44-year old Pacquiao could still qualify for the Paris Games through the two Olympic qualifiers set in the first two quarters of 2024.

The POC chief said Pacquiao could also qualify through the Universality Rule, however, there are only nine places allotted for it: five for women and four for men.

Pacquiao, currently at 66 kgs, has to choose between 63.50 kgs or 71 kgs that are on the Paris boxing events.

Tolentino added that the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines, through its chairman Ricky Vargas, is open to assist Pacquiao in his possible qualification.

As of writing, only pole vaulter EJ Obiena has qualified from the Philippines for the Paris Olympics.

Pacquiao previously joined the Philippine delegation to the Olympics as its flag-bearer during the 2008 Beijing Games.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News