Manny Pacquiao suffered a setback after revealing his desire to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games in Paris next year.
The Filipino superstar, who won world titles in eight divisions, wants another record to add to his haul.
Having accomplished everything possible professionally, Pacquiao aims to use a recently opposed loophole to gain entry.
Since the IBA introduced the measure to allow pros into the amateur side of the sport, a move that brought great controversy, several former world champions have tried. They all failed to win medals.
Amnat Ruenroeng and Hassan N’Dam are just two that amateur stars knocked out.
World Boxing, a new organization seeking to replace IBA, will undoubtedly aim to stop the harmful practice in Los Angeles in 2028.
Manny Pacquiao eyes Olympic gold
However, before that becomes the case, Pacquiao hopes to win gold for the Philippines.
Abraham Tolentino, the president of the Philippines Olympic Committee, confirmed Pacquiao’s intentions and welcomed his decision to fight for the National Team.
Tolentino is trying to find a way to incorporate Pacquiao as a member of the squad for Paris 2024.
He did state that one way of doing so had already gone in an early setback for the ex-pound-for-pound number one.
“Senator Pacquiao’s camp reached out saying our Filipino ring idol wants to fight in Paris,” said Tolentino about Pacquiao claiming one of the four sports available.
Setback
On the setback, he added: “The Senator can no longer vie for qualification in the Asian Games in Hangzhou next month [September].”
Sean Gibbons answered a question from Sports Illustrated via text message. The Manny Pacquiao Promotions President replied: “One hundred percent,” when asked about the move.
“Under the right circumstances, Manny would love to [compete at Paris 2024]. [It’s] always been a dream of his to represent the Philippines in the Olympics.
“He never had a chance because his family was dead broke at sixteen. He needed to go professional to help everyone.”
Turning pro in 1995, Pacquiao embarked on one of the most incredible runs of the modern era. His career culminated in a 2010 victory over Antonio Margarito, forever placing him in the history books.
Winning a world title at 154 pounds, Pacquiao won a magnificent eight world title belts in eight weight classes.
He then went on to fight Floyd Mayweather in the most lucrative pay-per-view event of all time.
Adding a gold medal would only add a further bullet point.
Phil Jay is an experienced boxing news writer.
