Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao will headline a list of 14 individuals to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2025, the organisers announced on Thursday.
Pacquiao will be joined by fellow fighters Michael Nunn and Vinny Paz as well as referee Kenny Bayless among others to be enshrined into the Hall of Fame on 5-8 June in Canastota, New York.
The 45-year-old, whose career spanned from 1995-2021, was a world champion in both the flyweight and super welterweight divisions.
Pacquiao, the only male athlete to win titles across eight weight divisions, finished his stellar career with a record of 62 wins, eight losses and two draws.
“I am so happy that I have been selected to enter the International Boxing Hall of Fame,” he said in a statement. “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 honour to my country, the Philippines, and my fellow Filipinos around the world,” said Pacquiao, who also served as a Philippines senator from 2016-2022.
Pacquiao follows in the footsteps of his compatriot Gabriel ‘Flash’ Elorde, a former super featherweight world champion who died in 1985 and became the first Asian inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993.
“Today, I am humbled knowing that in June, I will receive boxing’s highest honour, joining our national hero, Flash Elorde, as well as my trainer and friend Freddie Roach,” he started
“I am very grateful to those who voted for me,” Pacquiao stated, “and I look forward to celebrating with family, friends, and fans at Induction Weekend in Canastota, New York.”
In 2019, at age 40, Pacquiao became the oldest welterweight champion in boxing history by taking a split decision over American Keith Thurman for the World Boxing Association crown at 147 pounds.
