MANNY “PacMan” Pacquiao, a former professional boxer turned senator, will be hailed as one of history’s greatest boxers when he is inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2025.
Pacquiao, along with fellow fighters Michael Nunn and Vinny Paz, as well as referee Kenny Bayless, are among 14 people who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York, on June 5-8, 2025.
Over the course of his career, the Filipino pride had 62 wins, eight losses, and two draws. He is also the only eight-division world champion in boxing history, having previously won 12 major world titles.
PacMan also became the oldest welterweight world champion in history, at 40, and the first boxer in history to be acknowledged as a four-time welterweight champion, defeating Keith Thurman in 2019.
True people’s champ
When Pacquiao was at his peak, the streets were always empty, but the salas of every Filipino home were packed whenever he fought. As renowned as he is, it is a wonderful sight to as he finally receives his flowers.
With each passing year, the people’s champion has gradually aged. However, he stayed committed to bringing glory to his country and fellow Filipinos around the world and tried everything he could.
“I am so happy that I have been selected to enter the International Boxing Hall of Fame, this certainly is a wonderful Christmas gift,” said Pacquiao in a statement reported by the Agence France-Presse (AFP).
“Throughout my career as a professional fighter and a public servant, it has been my goal to bring honor to my country, the Philippines, and my fellow Filipinos around the world,” he added.
Place in history
Pacquiao will now join Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, a 1960s super featherweight world champion who died in 1985 and was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as the first Asian in 1993.
“Today I am humbled knowing that in June I will receive boxing’s highest honor, joining our national hero, Flash Elorde, as well as my trainer and friend Freddie Roach,” shared Pacquiao.
“I am very grateful to those who voted for me, and I look forward to celebrating with family, friends, and fans at Induction Weekend in Canastosa New York,” he added.
Oscar de la Hoya and Shane Mosley of the United States, Juan Manuel Marquez and Marco Antonio Barrera of Mexico, Ricky Hatton of the United Kingdom, and Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico were among the top matches he won.
While Pacquiao’s induction may be an individual achievement, it is one that the entire should celebrate. This is proof that Filipinos will always have a place in the spotlight, regardless of the industry.
