IOC Rejecting Manny Pacquiao’s Olympics Plea Is a Blessing in Disguise

Accolades, championships, and money—Manny Pacquiao earned it all during his 26-year-long pro career. Despite cementing his legacy as the greatest southpaw in boxing history, one laurel remained missing from his illustrious boxing resume. One dream that he failed to fulfill. The Filipino boxer never bagged an Olympic medal for his country. But with the recent IOC clarification, his dream is all but buried. So what’s now for the former 8-division champion?

‘PacMan’ hung up his boxing gloves in 2021, shortly after dropping a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugás. The signs were ominous, and his patented hand speed had diminished. However, his training videos and the allure of fighting suggested his return was on the horizon. It appears he will hit the exhibition trail like his predecessors and rivals. But there have been indications of the 45-year-old running back the clock and giving fans the rematch they want.

Manny Pacquiao: Returning to the boxing fold and a coveted rematch

Manny Pacquiao seized the headlines recently when he declared a rematch with Floyd Mayweather at an event in Japan. While an official confirmation awaits their fight, the buzz is already there for the showdown. Their previous fight racked up a record 4.4 million PPV buys and collected a revenue of $500 million. The fans would happily shell out money for the nostalgia if both boxing legends could agree to common terms.

Besides, Pacquiao is already putting up exhibition shows for the fans. He first toyed with South Korean YouTuber DK Yoo to raise money for Ukraine and also to help homeless Filipinos. The 62-8-2 record holder then cruised to a victory against former world champion Jesus Salud in August 2022. Soon, he will make his comeback on April 20, when he faces Muay Thai fighter Buakaw Banchamek. The charm of Pacquiao hasn’t faded, and he is not short of suitors.

Former world champion Amir Khan has thrown his name in the ring for a date with Pacquiao. Likewise, Bob Arum wants him to match Josh Taylor. The offers are many, and the opportunities are ample for Pacquiao. But what does he want? He won’t mind having a go at the modern stars and gauging his skills against them.

Putting his pro record at stake against Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia

Pacquiao turned heads last October when he pitched the idea of fighting Gervonta Davis. He won’t shy away from putting his professional record on the line if it strengthens his case. Sean Gibbons, agent and advisor for Pacquiao, also believes the same.

He has confirmed that “technically,” Pacquiao is out of retirement and would love to entertain a fight with either ‘Tank’ or Ryan Garcia. Gibbons also specified that Pacquiao has a year left, and he wants to fight. In addition, the Kibawe native has peak fitness levels and is currently undergoing training, and things might unfold into “something bigger and better.”

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The only caveat is coming to the middle ground of a catchweight, and Pacquiao is ready to entertain the fight if, especially, Davis comes up to 147 or even 145. But in the unfortunate case of not being able to meet the modern stars in the squared circle, he can turn to the man who can help him stage a huge money fight, Conor McGregor.

Conor McGregor: Hefty paycheck on the table

The rumors of ‘Notorious’ exchanging punches with Pacquiao have been floating around for a long time now. The former UFC champion is particularly open to the idea of once again stepping into the boxing ring as he struggles to finalize his Octagon return. Saudi Arabia could help make the fight, and given the recent traction surrounding the hypothetical fight and HE Turki Alalshikh’s love for big events, the fight could turn into a reality.

Riyadh has organized some big events in a year or two, including Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou. The promoters can feed on the hype. Bringing two of the biggest names together in combat sports could be a tremendous opportunity, which neither might deny. Therefore, Pacquiao is loaded with options, even if his Olympic dream has been shattered. Whatever path he chooses, the fans will be happy to see him pull punches in the ring, showcasing flashes of brilliance.

Read More: Manny Pacquiao Told He Will Regret His “Stupid Decision” as Conor McGregor, Floyd Mayweather & Gervonta Davis All Get Called Out After Unexpected Return

What do you make of this new development concerning Manny Pacquiao? Who do you believe he should fight if he makes his comeback? Let us know in the comments below.