One of the most respected figures and boxers, both in the Philippines and around the world, Manny Pacquiao has been elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) as part of the Class of 2025.
Photo: Manny Pacquiao/Instagram
The IBHOF described Manny as one of the “most decorated boxers” in history after winning twelve major world titles throughout his successful boxing career—from flyweight to super welterweight.
“During his 26-year career, he scored wins over champions Joshua Clottey, Brandon Rios, Antonio Margarito, and Adrien Broner as well as Hall of Famers Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley, and Miguel Cotto. He owns a pair of wins over Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, and Timothy Bradley Jr. ‘Pac Man’ was a three time The Ring and BWAA ‘Fighter of the Year’ (2006, 2008, 2009) and named ‘Boxer of the Decade’ by the BWAA (2000-09),” the IBHOF wrote.
Throughout his 26-year career, he had a total of 72 fights, securing 62 victories (with 39 knockouts). He suffered eight losses and recorded two draws.
The 45-year-old professional boxer also has a longstanding history in politics. He first served as the representative of Sarangani province and was later elected senator in 2016.
Following his tenure in the Senate, he ran for president in the 2022 Philippine presidential election, where he placed third behind former Vice President Leni Robredo and current President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Although he retired from professional boxing in 2021, Pacquiao remains a prominent figure in the sports world. His legacy as a boxer, philanthropist, and public makes him one of the most respected icons in the country.
Earning a place in the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility is another achievement in his sports career.
Joining Pacquiao in the list of honorees are Vinny Paz and Michael Nunn in the Men’s Modern category; Yessica Chavez, Anne Sophie Mathis and Mary Jo Sanders in the Women’s Modern category; and Cathy Davis in the Women’s Trailblazer category.
Vinny Paz is an American former professional boxer who overcame a severe head-on collision in 1991 that resulted in critical neck injuries. Michael Nunn, meanwhile, is a former two-weight world champion.
Other inductees include referee Kenny Bayless, broadcast journalist Randy Gordon, and television producer Ross Greenburg. Meanwhile, referee Harry Gibbs, cutman Al Gavin, Rodrigo Valdez, and Owen Swift are among the posthumous honorees.
Since its founding in 1989, the International Boxing Hall of Fame has been dedicated to preserving the legacy of boxing worldwide by giving tribute to the world’s “finest boxers and contributors to the sport.”
According to the IBHOF, the inductees were selected by members of the Boxing Writers Association of America and a panel of international boxing historians.
The inductees are set to be honored during the Hall of Fame Induction Weekend on June 5 to 8, 2025 in “Boxing’s Hometown” Canastota, New York City.
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