Despite being 44 years of age and having not boxed since 2021, Manny Pacquiao could be in line for a sensational return to the ring.
The former eight-weight champion has made clear his desire to represent his homeland of the Philippines in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, though is over the age threshold of 40.
However, news emerged this week that the Philippine Olympic Committee has made a special request that the International Olympic Committee clear ‘Pac-Man’ to represent them.
In a statement, Pacquiao said he was “grateful” to the committee and wants to “fulfil his dream of bring home a boxing gold medal” to the nation.
“I am grateful to the Philippine Olympic Committee, under the leadership of Abraham Tolentino, for making a recommendation to the IOC to process my eligibility to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.”
“I believe it is not too late to fulfil my dream of bringing home a boxing gold medal from the Olympics for the Philippines.”
Pacquiao was remarkably linked to a comeback fight against controversial British star Conor Benn earlier this year, though thankfully the fight did not materialise and Benn has moved in a different direction.
The legendary fighter turned senator won world titles from flyweight all the way up to super welterweight, with his absurdly impressive resume including the likes of Floyd Mayweather, Miguel Cotto and Marco Antonio Barrera.
If Pacquiao does get cleared to box in Paris and takes home the gold medal, it would surely go down as one of the greatest sporting achievements of all time.