Manny Pacquiao is stepping back into the ring at 46, signaling that his boxing journey is not yet over, as he prepares for a title clash next month. Despite his plans for the future, Pacquiao’s legacy in boxing is already secured, as he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on Sunday.
Reflecting on his illustrious career, Pacquiao stated, “When I look back, I see a career defined by becoming an eight-division world champion, holding world titles across four different decades, and being the oldest welterweight world champion in history. These are not opinions, but facts.”
Pacquiao was one of the standout names in the Class of 2025, honored in a ceremony at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York. With celebrations cut short, he must soon return to training for a July 19 showdown in Las Vegas against WBC titleholder Mario Barrios.
During his induction speech, Pacquiao did not delve into the details of his upcoming fight. Instead, he celebrated breaking records by winning titles across eight weight divisions, beginning his career in the 106-pound category and rising to clinch a title at the 154-pound limit.
From flyweight all the way to junior middleweight, each triumph was a stride further from poverty, Pacquiao explained, not just for himself but also for his family and the Filipino community.
Among his fellow honorees were three-division champion Vinny Paz and middleweight and super middleweight champion Michael Nunn. On the women’s side, the class included Yessica Chavez, Anne Sophie Mathis, Mary Jo Sanders, and Cathy “Cat” Davis. Davis, who broke barriers by challenging the New York State Athletic Commission over gender discrimination, recalled her journey with a playful nod to her victory.
In addition, notable figures such as referees Kenny Bayless, famed for officiating some of Pacquiao’s pivotal fights, and Harry Gibbs, as well as cutman Al Gavin, joined the Hall of Fame. Broadcaster Randy Gordon, HBO producer Ross Greenburg, and posthumous honorees Rodrigo Valdez and Owen Swift rounded out the inductees.
Retiring in 2021 with an impressive record of 62-8-2, including 39 knockouts, Pacquiao’s career was marked by notable fights throughout the 2000s. His quest was always to face the most formidable opponents, testing his limits continuously.
The sportsmanship and grit that brought him unprecedented success also paved a path from poverty in the Philippines to becoming a national leader, serving as a senator from 2016 to 2022 and vying for the presidency. Pacquiao expressed gratitude to his fans and loved ones, his voice tinged with emotion.
“This is our victory,” he affirmed. “This is our story, and the best is yet to come.”