Thrilled? Disappointed? What boxing fans have to say about Manny Pacquiao's rumored Olympic stint

Manny Pacquiao has stated his intention to fight in the Paris Olympics slated next year, according to Philippine Olympic Committee president Bambol Tolentino.

The official confirmed that Pacman's camp is looking into ways for him to qualify for the tournament.

“Senator Pacquiao’s camp reached out saying our Filipino ring idol wants to fight in Paris,” Tolentino said.

While professional boxers are allowed in the Olympics, the 44-year-old Pacquiao would not be able to qualify via the Asian Games because the age limit for athletes to compete there is 40 years old. 

Tolentino said Pacquiao could secure a spot under the Universality rule of the International Olympic Committee.

Fans and pundits are torn with this development.

X (formerly Twitter) user Jim Yang said Pacquiao in the Olympics "would be an incredible feat and a legendary way to square away Pacquiao’s monumental career. The stuff epic movies are made of."

Wow, would be an incredible feat and a legendary way to square away Pacquiao’s monumental career. The stuff epic movies are made of. #MannyPacquiao #ChampionIsComing #Champions #Boxing #Olympics https://t.co/PX6rYccdmy

— Jim Yang (@bionicleap77) August 30, 2023

"This would be huge, potentially the most watched Olympics boxing ever," another fan commented.

This would be huge, potentially the most watched Olympics boxing ever.
And wouldn't that be something special to have for the last ever olympic boxing tournament (boxing is being removed from the Olympics after 2024), Manny Pacquiao at age 45 earning the gold medal for his nation https://t.co/GFATTZfMu6

— Boxerr (@stinglik3_a_b33) August 30, 2023

Other fans won't buy into a professional boxer fighting in the Olympics, let alone someone who made history as the only boxer to win eight world titles in as many divisions.

"A professional should not be participating in the Olympics, let alone a retiree. This doesn't bode well for the Philippine Olympic Committee nor for the legendary Manny Pacquiao, whose legacy is being tainted by these rumors," @daramolamo said.

A professional should not be participating in the Olympics, let alone a retiree. This doesn't bode well for the Phillipines Olympics Committee nor for the legendary Manny Pacquiao, whose legacy is being tainted by these rumours

— M D ??????? ??????? (@daramolamo) August 30, 2023

"It'd be upsetting to see him in the Olympics when he's already accomplished so much," user Jake Gould said.

Manny is a legend & has done A LOT for his country & people.

But to be honest... it'd be upsetting to see him in the Olympics when he's already accomplished so much.

Save this stage for young Filipino fighters who were inspired by the great Manny Pacquiao. That's legacy, too. https://t.co/QVCmhfKF6x

— Jake Gould (@jakegould10) August 30, 2023

There's also the matter of winning because Pacman fighting in the Olympics does not mean an automatic gold.

"Pacquiao losing to a kid in the Olympics who wasn't even alive during his pro debut back in 1995 would be less than ideal," boxing writer Ryan O'Hara said.

Pacquiao losing to a kid in the Olympics who wasn't even alive during his pro debut back in 1995 would be less than ideal. #boxing

— Ryan O'Hara (@OHaraSports) August 30, 2023

Whether people agree or not, Pacquiao on the Olympic stage would be interesting at the very least.