Pacquiao Enters Hall of Fame, Eyes WBC Comeback

Filipino boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao was officially inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on June 9, 2025, capping a storied career that spanned four decades and eight world titles.

The induction ceremony took place in Canastota, New York, with Pacquiao closing the roster of Class of 2025 honorees.

In his acceptance speech, the 46-year-old icon reflected on his improbable rise from poverty to global stardom.

“Boxing gave me a way out, it turned my struggles into strength, my failures into visions, and my pain into purpose,” said Pacquiao.

“Every fight and every victory was a step forward from poverty. It was not just for me, but for my family, for the Philippine people, and all the fans, and for the glory of our God.”

Pacquiao noted his historic milestones: “Eight-division world champion, world titles in four different decades, oldest welterweight world champion in history. Those are not just opinions — they are facts.”

Reading from a prepared speech, Pacquiao emphasized that greatness was never his goal.

“I never chase greatness. I just work hard to be better than the Manny Pacquiao I was yesterday.”

He added that his career was built on choosing the toughest fights over easy ones.

“I never pick the easy fights. I choose the hard ones. I move up weight after weight not to protect a record, but to test my limits.”

With a professional record of 62 wins (39 by knockout), eight losses and two draws, Pacquiao’s achievements include historic victories over Oscar Dela Hoya, Miguel Cotto, and Antonio Margarito.

He is the fourth Filipino to be enshrined in the Hall, joining Pancho Villa (Class of 1994), Flash Elorde (1993), and promoter Lope “Papa” Sarreal (2005).

The ceremony was held at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, New York, and Pacquiao flew in from Los Angeles, where he is currently in training camp.

He is set to challenge World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, ending a four-year retirement.

Pacquiao acknowledged his family’s unwavering support in a post on Instagram.

“To my wife Jinkee and our kids, thank you for your love and support through every high and every low,” he wrote.

“To the fans, coaches, media, and every person who cheered, prayed, or stood by me all these years, this is your victory too.”

He concluded with a message to future athletes: “And to the next generation of fighters: never let your situation limit your destiny. With God, nothing is impossible.”

Also inducted into the Hall of Fame this year were Vinny Paz, Michael Nunn, Yessica Chavez, Mary Jo Sanders, Anne Sophie Mathis, Cathy Davis, and posthumous honorees Rodrigo Valdez, Owen Swift, Harry Gibbs, and Al Gavin.

Referee Kenny Bayless, broadcaster Randy Gordon, and television producer Ross Greenburg were also recognized.

While debates continue over who is the greatest fighter of this generation — with some pointing to Floyd Mayweather Jr., who bested Pacquiao in 2015 — the Filipino senator-turned-athlete remains unfazed.

“Some people ask, ‘Who is the greatest of all time?’ That’s not for me to decide. It belongs to the fans. It belongs to history,” he said.

“But greatness isn’t what you call yourself. It is how you live your life and how you inspire others. So call me a fighter. Call me a warrior. Call me proudly Filipino. Call me a servant of God.”