MANNY Pacquiao was officially enshrined in the International Boxing Hall of Fame on Sunday (Monday, June 9, 2025, PH time), a fitting recognition of an already unparalleled career.
This prestigious honor comes as the legendary boxer, at 46 years old, makes a stunning return from retirement for another title shot next month.
“And now, when I look back, eight-division world champion, world titles in four different decades, oldest welterweight world champion in history, those are not just opinions. They are facts,” Pacquiao stated, reflecting on his incredible journey
Pacquiao headlined the prestigious Class of 2025, inducted during a ceremony held at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York. His celebration will be brief, however, as he immediately transitions back to rigorous training for his July 19 bout in Las Vegas against WBC champion Mario Barrios.
During his induction speech, Pacquiao focused on his record-setting achievement of winning titles across eight weight classes.
He recounted his journey from making his professional debut in the 106-pound class to ascending all the way to a title victory at the 154-pound limit.
“From flyweight to junior middleweight, eight divisions,” Pacquiao emphasized. “Every fight, every victory was a step further from poverty. It was not just for me but for my family, for the Filipino people.”
The Hall of Fame class also recognized other notable figures in boxing. Among the men fighters were Vinny Paz, the three-division champion famously known as Vinny Pazienza, who made a remarkable comeback after sustaining a broken neck in a car crash, and Michael Nunn, a champion at both middleweight and super middleweight.
The women’s class included Yessica Chavez, Anne Sophie Mathis, Mary Jo Sanders, and Cathy “Cat” Davis, a trailblazer who, after filing a sex discrimination suit, became one of the first women to receive a professional boxing license from the New York State Athletic Commission in 1978.
Davis, pointing to the induction jewelry, boldly remarked, “I’ve got this beautiful ring here and I asked them to make it big enough for my middle finger, because if I ever see those old white stupid men who kept us out, you know what I’m going to do.”
Renowned referee Kenny Bayless, who officiated some of Pacquiao’s biggest fights, including his contest against Floyd Mayweather and his knockout of Ricky Hatton, was also enshrined, alongside fellow referee Harry Gibbs and cut man Al Gavin.
Broadcaster Randy Gordon, HBO producer Ross Greenburg, and late boxers Rodrigo Valdez and Owen Swift completed the diverse class of inductees.
Pacquiao officially retired in 2021 with an impressive professional record of 62-8-2, including 39 KOs. His career was marked by his participation in some of the most highly anticipated blockbuster fights of the 2000s.
He often stated that he consistently sought out the toughest opponents, driven by a desire to continually test his own limits. This relentless pursuit of challenges propelled him from a life of poverty in the Philippines to achieving a level of wealth he could never have imagined.
Beyond the ring, Pacquiao also served his country as a senator from 2016 to 2022 and ran for president, albeit unsuccessfully. His voice wavered with emotion as he expressed gratitude to his devoted fans back home and his beloved family.
“This is our victory,” Pacquiao declared. “This is our story and the best is yet to come.” / FROM THE WIRES