Manny Pacquiao Social Media Account
Eight-Division Champion Honored for a Storied Career That Transcended the Sport
CANASTOTA, NY — Boxing icon and former Philippine senator Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao was officially inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) on Sunday, June 8, 2025, securing his place in history as one of the sport’s all-time greats. The ceremony, held at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York, drew fans and champions from around the world who came to witness the enshrinement of a man whose legacy goes far beyond the ring.
A Career Like No Other
Pacquiao made history as the only boxer to win world titles in eight different weight divisions, from flyweight (112 lbs) to light middleweight (154 lbs). His professional career spanned three decades, beginning in 1995 as a teenage prizefighter and culminating in some of the highest-grossing bouts in boxing history.
With a final record of 62 wins (39 by knockout), 8 losses, and 2 draws, Pacquiao fought—and often defeated—some of the sport’s greatest names: Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, and Keith Thurman. In 2019, at age 40, he became the oldest welterweight champion in history after defeating Thurman via split decision.
Hall of Fame, First Ballot
Pacquiao was inducted on his first year of eligibility, a rare honor that underscored his impact on global boxing. Taking the podium in front of a packed audience, he delivered a deeply emotional and reflective speech.
“I came from nothing. Just a small boy from the streets of General Santos City. No shoes. No food. No chance. Just a dream in my heart. I know hunger. I know pain. I know what it means to be counted out.”
“But I also know what God can do when you keep the faith and never give up… Boxing gave me a way out. It turned my struggles into strength, my failures into lessons. And my pain into purpose.”
“It was not just for me but for my family, for the Filipino people, and for the glory of our God.”
“I never chase greatness. I just worked hard to be better than the Manny Pacquiao I was yesterday. I never picked the easy fights. I chose the hard ones. I moved up weight one after weight, not to protect a record but to test my limits.”
From Fighter to Statesman
Born on December 17, 1978, in Kibawe, Bukidnon, Pacquiao’s rise from poverty has become legend. He left school to support his family and turned professional at just 16. At 19, he captured his first major title—the WBC flyweight crown. His rags-to-riches story endeared him to fans around the world and made him a source of immense national pride in the Philippines.
Outside the ring, Pacquiao was elected to the Philippine Senate in 2016 and served a full term until 2022. In that same year, he ran for president. Although he was not elected, he accepted the results with grace and emphasized unity and his continued commitment to public service.
A Comeback at 46
Though inducted into the Hall of Fame, Pacquiao isn’t done yet. At age 46, he is preparing for a comeback fight on July 19, 2025, against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in Las Vegas. If successful, it could mark one of the most remarkable late‑career returns in boxing history.
A Champion’s Gratitude
Following the ceremony, Pacquiao took to social media to express his gratitude to his loved ones and supporters. Among the most personal moments was his heartfelt message to his family:
“To my wife Jinkee and our kids, thank you for your love and support through every high and every low.”
