WITH his recent retirement, the World Boxing Association (WBA) named Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao its “Centennial Champion” for his contributions to boxing in and out of the ring.
“The ‘Centennial Champion’ is a way to honor the legends of our sport and also to celebrate our 100 years of existence. Without a doubt, Manny meets all the requirements to obtain this recognition that he will never lose, because he earned it by leaving a great legacy in and out of the ring. We are proud to give this distinction to a man who gave so much to boxing,” the WBA wrote in its official website.
The 42-year-old Pacquiao just recently confirmed his retirement from boxing after a 26-year pro career. He wants to focus on his political career and run for President in the 2022 elections.
Pacquiao is the only boxer in history to win world titles in eight different weight divisions—Flyweight, Super Bantamweight, Featherweight, Super Featherweight, Lightweight, Light Welterweight, Welterweight and Light Middleweight.
He’s a lineal champion in the Flyweight, Featherweight, Lightweight and Welterweight divisions. He beat some of the best boxers in history, the likes of Oscar dela Hoya, Shane Mosley, Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales and Miguel Cotto.
Pacquiao finished his career with 62 wins, eight losses and two draws with 39 wins by knockout.
He was named “Fighter of the Decade” for the 2000s by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA). He’s also a three-time Ring Magazine and BWAA “Fighter of the Year” (2006, 2008, 2009).
Pacquiao won the regular WBA welterweight belt with a seventh round stoppage of Lucas Matthysse in 2018. He successfully defended the belt with a unanimous decision over Adrien Broner in 2019. He was elevated as super champion in WBA’s welterweight division after a split decision win over Keith Thurman in 2019.
Pacquiao’s last fight was a unanimous decision defeat in the hands of Yordenis Ugas on Aug. 21, 2021.
“The WBA congratulates Manny for his great career and is proud to grant this recognition to a man who has managed to represent the black and gold colors with his impeccable career. A big shout out to our Centennial Champion, Mr. Manny Pacquiao.”