Manny Pacquiao, one of the greatest fighters of all time, is bound for the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
The only eight-time world division champion leads the boxing Class of 2025, to be inducted in June next year in Canastosa, New York.
Pacquiao, who will be turning 46 years old on December 17, is the headliner in the 2025 batch that also includes former world champions Michael Nunn and Vinny Paz.
2025 Hall of Famer ‘Pacman'
Pacquiao's induction came four years after he officially retired from fighting in 2021. His last bout was August that year in Las Vegas, a 12-round unanimous decision to former WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas of Cuba.
His decision to retire from the sport was apparently connected in his bid for the Philippine presidency during the 2022 national elections. He placed third behind Leni Robredo and Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Of course, it is obvious that he will absolutely make it to the Boxing Hall of Fame, where he was qualified for induction right in his very first year.
Renowned for his incredible speed, power, inherent toughness, stamina, constant head movement, and unorthodox fighting style, Pacquiao finished his pro boxing career with a 62-8-2 record, including 39 KOs.
His list of victims is not to be taken lightly of, an impressive lineup of boxing legends, which include the likes of Eric Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera, Miguel Cotto, Oscar De La Hoya, Timothy Bradley, Shane Mosley, and Ricky Hatton.
The Filipino boxing legend said in a statement:
"I am so happy that I have been selected to enter the International Boxing Hall of Fame, this certainly is a wonderful Christmas gift.
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.
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.
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."
Versus Floyd Mayweather in 2015
His 2015 showdown with mega-fighter Floyd Mayweather generated the biggest-ever revenue from a single fight, both at the gates and pay-per-view buys, with 4.6 million people tuned in.
Both superstars earned jaw-dropping purses for the epic battle, with Mayweather getting a reported $180 million while Pacquiao taking home $120 million.
One of the best southpaw boxers ever with the unique ability to punch from unconventional angles, Pacquiao first won his world crown at 108 lbs (WBC flyweight) against Chatchai Sasakul. He last held a world title at 147 lbs (WBA welterweight) with a split decision against Keith Thurman to become the oldest welterweight to win a championship at the age of 40.
His partnership with coach Freddie Roach, which spanned 20 years, is also considered to be one of the most successful in the history of prize fighting.
Roach said in a statement: "Today's announcement that Manny will be a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame's class of 2025 makes me incredibly proud. As much as I loved working together with Manny all those years, I'm even happier sharing the same wall with him at the International Boxing Hall of Fame."
Source:
https://www.espn.ph/boxing/story/_/id/42799075/manny-pacquiao-elected-international-boxing-hall-fame
Image: Nick Laham/Getty Images
