December 15 ------ MANNY Pacquiao, one of the greatest fighters of all time and the only eight-time world division champion, is bound for the International Boxing Hall of Fame. The Filipino ring legend leads the boxing Class of 2025 to be inducted in Canastosa, New York in June of next year.
Pacquiao, who will turn 46 on Dec 17, is the biggest star in the 2025 batch that also includes former world champions Michael Nunn and Vinny Paz. "I am so happy that I have been selected to enter the International Boxing Hall of Fame, this certainly is a wonderful Christmas gift," said Pacquiao in a statement. "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," added 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 Canastosa New York."
Pacquiao's induction came four years after the former senator and congressman officially retired from fighting in 2021 following his 12-round unanimous decision to former WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas of Cuba in Las Vegas. His decision to retire was also connected in his bid for the presidency of the Philippines during the 2022 national elections. Pacquiao emerged third behind Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Leni Robredo. But there was no way he won't make it to the Hall of Fame, where he was eligible for induction right in his first year.
Known for his blinding speed, constant head moverment, and unorthodox style of fighting, Pacquiao finished his career with a 62-8-2 record including 39 KOs. His list of victims reads a who's who in boxing's pantheon of champions that include Oscar De La Hoya, Marco Antonio Barrera, Eric Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez, Miguel Cotto, Timothy Bradley, Shane Mosley, and Ricky Hatton. His 2015 showdown with another mega-fighter named Floyd Mayweather generated the biggest ever revenue from a single fight, both at the gates and pay-per-view buys.
One of best southpaw fighters ever, Pacquiao first won a world crown at 108 lbs (WBC flyweight) against Chatchai Sasakul and 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 20-year partnership with Roach is also considered one of the most successful in the history of prize fighting. "Today's announcement that Manny will be a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame's class of 2025 makes me incredibly proud," said Roach in a statement. "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."
Also part of the 2025 class are Yessica Chavez, Anne Sophie Mathis, and Mary Jo Sanders for women's modern boxers, together with Cathy 'Cat' Davis in the trailblazer category. In the non-participant category are referee Kenny Bayless, cut man Al Gavin, and another referee in Harry Gibbs. In the observer category are former HBO sports executive Ross Greenburg, together with Sirius XM Radio's Randy Gordon (former New York State athletic commissioner and former editor of The Ring magazine), Colombian middleweight champion Rodrigo Valdez made ti to the old-timer category, while Owen Smith in the pioneer category.
Source: spin.ph
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