“The IOC took revenge on Pacquiao and did not let him participate in the Olympics. It’s not a question of age” – Lebedev

Former world boxing champion according to WBA, IBF Denis Lebedev told that the International Olympic Committee (CIO ) banned Manny Pacquiao participating in the Paris Olympic Games is not because of the age limit.

The IOC refused to change the rules allowing the former world boxing champion in eight weight categories, the Filipino Pacquiao, 45, to participate in the Paris Games. In 2016, Pacquiao declared his opposition to same-sex marriage.

“I would love to see Pacquiao in Paris. Unfortunately, it was not authorized. I think the IOC took revenge on him for not supporting the LGBT*. And contracts with him were terminated precisely for this reason. Manny said such things should not be encouraged. Such people do not lie on earth and another company immediately offered him a contract. The IOC did not allow him to openly express his position. It’s because of this, I’m more than sure.

— So it’s not a question of age limit?

– Of course, that’s not the question. It is unfair to deprive the world community of a spectacle like Pacquiao at the Olympics,” Lebedev told .

The IOC informed the Philippine Olympic Committee that age restrictions would remain in effect for participants in the Olympic boxing tournament. The age limit for boxers at the Olympics was raised from 34 to 40 in 2013. The Philippine NOC attempted to obtain “universal” admission to the Paris Games. This implies that teams from countries that have few athletes and have difficulty qualifying for the Games can enter participants into the competition without selection.

Pacquiao has 62 victories (39 by KO), eight defeats (3 by KO) and two draws in professional boxing. The Paris Olympic Games will take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024.

* The movement is recognized as extremist and banned in Russia.