Manny Pacquiao Ineligible to Fight at Paris Olympics as IOC Won't Change Age Rules

The International Olympic Committee denied Manny Pacquiao's attempt to fight in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, according to the Associated Press (via ESPN.com).

The IOC raised the age limit from 34 to 40 in 2013, and the 45-year-old Pacquiao is well past that point. The organization declined to make an exception for the eight-division world champion or amend its rules altogether.

The 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro were Pacquiao's last chance to put on the gloves within that event. In addition to his burgeoning political career at the time, the IOC's rules on professional fighters competing in the Summer Games presented a hurdle.

The AP noted it's unclear what path Pacquiao would've taken to reach Paris if he had been deemed eligible.

The IOC has so far stymied the Philippines' effort to fall under the "universality" rules, which relaxes the qualification guidelines for athletes from countries that typically have few Olympians. As a result, Pacquiao may have needed to advance through a qualification tournament.

Pac-Man hasn't fought since 2021, losing a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas. He retired from boxing shortly thereafter.