Manny Pacquiao is reportedly intent on coming out of retirement to compete at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
The 44-year-old called time on his 72-fight professional career following a loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021 but has remained active.
Pacquiao returned to the ring in December to take on South Korean YouTube star DK Yoo in an exhibition bout, winning a six-round unanimous decision.
According to a report from talkSPORT, Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino confirmed Pacquiao was exploring a return at next year’s Games.
‘Senator Pacquiao’s camp reached out saying our Filipino ring idol wants to fight in Paris,’ Tolentino said in a statement.
Manny Pacquiao is reportedly intent on coming out of retirement to represent the Philippines at the 2024 Olympics
Pacquiao called time on his professional career in 2021 following a defeat to Yordenis Ugas
Historically boxers had been prohibited from competing in the Olympics after turning professional.
However, from the 2016 Games in Rio, the IBA made a number of reforms including reversing the decision to prevent professionals from competing, and no longer mandating that male athletes wear protective headgear during bouts.
Despite going on to enjoy one of the most distinguished careers in the history of boxing, Pacquiao turned professional before enjoying any notable success outside of his native country as an amateur.
Determined to use his burgeoning skills to provide money for his family, Pacquiao would make his professional debut just five weeks after his 16th birthday in 1995.
Although he missed out on competing at the Games during his youth, Pacquiao could still become one of the 124 male athletes across seven weight classes set to compete in next summer’s competition.
The Philippines have never won an Olympic gold in boxing, with Carlo Palaam(left) one of two fighters to secure silver in Tokyo
In order to do so he would need to compete in a qualifying tournament in early 2024, though alternatively he could secure one of the four Universality places available.
Despite having a rich history of success in the professional game, the Philippines has never secured an Olympic gold medal in boxing, with Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio most recently winning silver in Tokyo.
The nation has just one gold medal across all sports, with women’s 55kg weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz setting an Olympic record with her performance at the 2020 Games.