MANNY PACQUIAO is eyeing a sensational return to the ring – less than two years after hanging up his gloves.
The former eight-weight world champion called time on his Hall-of-Fame career a month after his points defeat to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021.
GETTYManny Pacquiao announced his retirement from boxing in September 2021[/caption]
POLARISPacman wants to return to the ring to represent the Philippines at the 2024 Olympics[/caption]
But the 44-year-old has aspirations of representing his homeland of the Philippines at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
President of the Philippine Olympic Committee Abraham Tolentino said: “Senator Pacquiao’s camp reached out saying our Filipino ring idol wants to fight in Paris.”
Conversations between the POC, the Association of Boxing Alliances and the International Olympic Committee over Pacman representing the Philippines at Paris 2024 are already underway.
But Tolentino revealed: “The Senator can no longer vie for qualification in the Asian Games in Hangzhou next month.”
Pacquiao is ineligible to qualify for Paris 2024 via the Asian Games as they have a 40-year-old age limit for all athletes.
But he could still book his place in the competition through two qualifying tournaments next year.
Boxing fans were quick to react to the possibility of Pacquaio competing at the next Olympics, with one tweeting: “I doubt he medals but I can’t wait to see it.”
Another said: “This would be pretty cool! & a hell of an accomplishment if he wins.”
Manny Pacquiao walked away from boxing nearly two years agoGetty
And another said: “That would be amazing for him.”
One remarked: “Let’s get it, Mann. One more before riding into the sunset.”
Another chimed in: “Easy dub for the PacMan.”
Pacquiao announced his retirement in an emotional interview, in which he revealed aspirations to become president of the Philippines.
Pacman said: “My boxing career is already over.
“It’s done because I’ve been in boxing for a long time and my family says that it is enough.
“I just continued [to box] because I’m passionate about this sport.
He added: “I am a fighter, and I will always be a fighter inside and outside the ring.
“I am accepting your nomination as candidate for president of the Republic of the Philippines.”