“No Shouldn’t Be Allowed..”: Amid Manny Pacquiao’s Potential 2024 Olympic Buzz, 13–0 Pro- Heavyweight’s KO Qualification Ignites Fan Frenzy

Manny Pacquiao first fought when he was 12. The fighter would undertake street fights in order to earn a dollar or two. He won some and a half of it, he lost. Most of his fights were intended to survive poverty. But life kept years pushing him toward boxing championships and soon Pacquiao fought bouts to proclaim his space on the global stage. His precise jabs and fighting acumen were matched by none. He further made history by being the only fighter to win 12 championships over 8 weight divisions. After having won almost all titles in the sport, he eyes one last.

The Filipino fighter has expressed his desire to participate in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympic Games and bring gold to his homeland. However, this bid of his is not new. The fighter revealed that in his formative years; he did contest to be a part of his country’s Olympic team. But he was denied the opportunity. He said, “They rejected me because they said I was not good enough.” Years later, he wishes to take the fight he was kept away from. But his desire sparks deeper questions.

Should a well-established Manny Pacquiao be allowed to fight at the Olympics?

It is a norm that most fighters in their amateur days enter the Olympics. These are fighters who have shown their adeptness in the boxing ring and are capable of representing their country. Yet there remains a line of distinction. Still in the nascent stages of their career, these are fighters who have not taken professional fights.

But ‘Pacman’s’ request to enter the tournament goes against this unsaid consensus. If allowed to compete, he enters as a fighter with a record of 72 pro-bouts and against opponents who have not undertaken any pro-fight. Would that be fair? Some boxing enthusiasts have opined.

It’s not just ‘Pacman’ that’s making such a request. Another heavyweight fighter, Bakhodir Jalolov has qualified for the Paris Olympics. He has undertaken 13 fights and won all of them through knockouts. Again, the world asked, ‘Should professional boxers be allowed to compete in the Olympics?’

A loud ‘No’ echoed in the boxing realm. Most hold the opinion that it is not fair for a well-established fighter with the experience of having fought other pro-fighters to enter the Olympic tournament.

Another user resounded this sentiment. In the boxing realm, there is unsaid respect for fights that happen between fighters of equal mettle. This explains the need to have various weight classes in order to bring in some uniformity among the fighters.

Another user agreed with the norm of having only amateurs undertake the tournament. These fighters are the pillars upon whom the future of the boxing realm rests. And what better way to announce their boxing prowess than at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Another fan pondered if the Filipino fighter was seeking such a fight to elude fighters like Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, and Deontay Wilder.

Also Read: “We Don’t Have Food to Eat”: $220 Million Legend Manny Pacquiao’s Rags to Riches Story Draws Mark Wahlberg’s Immediate Response

When the world announces the names of the best fighters in the boxing realm, Manny Pacquiao will always be in the running. But if he does enter the Olympics at this age and point in his career, his legacy will suffer a dent in its ideals. These are things that he must consider before he enters the Olympic tournament.

What do you think about professional fighters entering the Olympic tournament? Let us know in the comments section below.

Watch this story: 5 Eye-Opening Facts About Manny Pacquiao