Pacquiao Returns To Training With An Eye On The Olympics

Manny Pacquiao has returned to training as the boxer’s aspirations of competing at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games remain very much alive.

Pacquiao’s desire to win an Olympic gold medal has been well documented as the eight-division champion referred to it as a ‘dream.’ However, the major problem has been the requirement that boxers must be aged between 19 and 40 to have a place in the Olympics, as per the Philippine Olympic Committee President Bambol Tolentino. While there are exemptions in place, the IOC would have to approve such a thing via a  ‘universality blueprint.’ And at the age of 44, while being 45 at the start of the games, Pacman would require an exemption to enter into the qualifying tournament.

“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,” Marcus Manalo (General Secretary of the Philippines Association of Boxing Alliances)

In the meantime, Manny has been keeping in shape as shown through the following footage. The boxer can be seen on the pads, utilising his southpaw stance and the left hand to good use. While there is no guarantee over Pacquiao’s Olympic status, boxing fans were delighted nevertheless to see the boxer’s skills.

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