Manny Pacquiao elected to international boxing hall of fame

"This is a wonderful Christmas gift," said Pacquiao after being elected to the Boxing Hall of Fame.

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Manny Pacquiao, an adored figure in the Philippines and one of the most decorated boxers in history, has been elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025, it was announced on Thursday.

Pacquiao, whose fast footwork and blistering speed of punches made him one of the top offensive fighters in the sport's history, won world championships in a record eight weight divisions from flyweight to super welterweight.

The Filipino southpaw retired from boxing in 2021 after a 72-fight career during which he had 62 wins, eight losses and two draws.

Pacquiao, who made his mark both in and outside the ring, also enjoyed a philanthropist, lawmaker, singer and political career, serving as a senator and running for president in 2022.

He was featured in Time magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people in 2009 and became the first Filipino athlete to appear on a postage stamp.

The Class of 2025 induction ceremony will be held from June 5-8 in Canastota, New York. Pacquiao will join his former trainer, Freddie Roach, who was inducted in 2012, as well as Filipino boxing legends Gabriel “Flash” Elorde (1993) and Francisco “Pancho Villa” Guilledo (1994).

"Today, I am humbled knowing that in June, I will receive boxing’s highest honour, joining our national hero, Flash Elorde, as well as my trainer and friend Freddie Roach," said 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 Canastota, New York."

In addition to Pacquiao, the Class of 2025 will feature other boxing greats, including Michael Nunn, Vinny Paz, Sophie Mathis, Mary Jo Sanders, Yessica Chavez, and others. The Hall of Fame will also honour referees Kenny Bayless and Harry Gibbs, as well as media figures Randy Gordon and Ross Greenburg.

Throughout his 26-year career, Pacquiao faced several Hall of Famers, including Marco Antonio Barrera, Timothy Bradley, Juan Manuel Marquez, Oscar de La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Shane Mosley, and Miguel Cotto.

His 2015 bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr. remains one of the most lucrative in boxing history, generating record-breaking revenue from gate attendance and pay-per-view buys.

"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."