The sport of boxing has had a turbulent few years when it comes to the sport at Olympic level, with issues surrounding the governance of the sport leading to doubts about its future inclusion in the world's biggest sporting event.
There have been quite a few scandals in recent times, many of which were related to some questionable judging at the games. In fact, the sport was forced to launch a new global body in 2023 in order to ensure that the sport continued in the Olympics moving forward.
As a result, we will see boxing at the game in Paris later this summer. However, one potential move has caused concern for a former Irish Olympic medallist.
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Michael Conlan unhappy with Manny Pacquiao Olympic rumours
Manny Pacquiao is one of the most decorated boxers of all-time, winning a huge number of honours over the course of his career.
One of the only things missing from his CV is an appearance at the Olympics, with the Filipino bypassing the amateur ranks after turning professional at the age of 16. However, there are rumours that he could now secure an unlikely berth at this summer's games.
Rumours have been circulating in recent months that the 45-year old was looking to come out of retirement in order to fight for the Philippines in Paris.
The Philippines reportedly made a request to the IOC back in October to allow Manny Pacquiao to compete in the 2024 Olympics, despite the fact that he exceeded the competition's stated age limit.
The current rules state that no fighter born before 1st of January 1980 can take part in this year's games.
They are seeking a a “universality place” for the fighter, a route which is granted to athletes from nations who can struggle to qualify via traditional routes. There are four such spaces available for male boxers in Paris.
There are now rumours circulating that the request will be granted, allowing Pacquiao to fight at the games.
However, former Olympic medallist Michael Conlan has been among those to criticise the potential decision.
As much as I have loved and enjoyed Mannys career, there is no way this should be allowed to happen! https://t.co/zOvUvbFsTB
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) February 2, 2024
Conlan represented Ireland in two Olympics, winning a bronze medal in London in 2012. He was also robbed of another medial in Rio Di Janeiro four years later after a hugely controversial quarter-final loss to Russian fighter Vladimir Nikitin.
The decision to allow someone of Pacquiao's age and experience to compete at the Olympics is something that is unlikely to go down well with many fighters at the games, many of whom are only embarking on their boxing careers.
It will be interesting to see what the reaction would be if the IOC decision is confirmed in the near future.
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