Manny Pacquiao expressed his joy at being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as a first-ballot honoree.
The ‘Pac-Man’ secured his spot after retiring in 2021 following a defeat to Yordenis Ugas. Boxers are required to wait three years before they are eligible for induction. Therefore, Pacquiao met the criteria in 2024 after a remarkable career that included winning world titles in eight different weight classes.
Speaking about his induction, Pacquiao said, “I am thrilled to have been chosen to enter the International Boxing Hall of Fame. This is truly a fantastic Christmas present.
“Throughout my time as a professional boxer and a public servant, my aim has always been to bring pride to my country, The Philippines, and my fellow Filipinos worldwide. Today, I am honored to learn that in June, I will receive the highest recognition in boxing, joining our national hero, Flash Elorde, as well as my trainer and friend, Freddie Roach.
“I am very thankful to those who voted for me and I am looking forward to celebrating with my family, friends, and fans at Induction Weekend in Canastota, New York.”
Roach, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012 and is a seven-time Boxing Writers Association of America “Trainer of the Year,” also commented on Pacquiao’s selection for the IBHOF’s class of 2025.
During their 20-year partnership, Pacquiao was named the BWAA’s first Fighter of the Decade [‘2000 – 2009] and won the BWAA “Fighter of the Year” title three times.
Roach remarked, “When I opened my gym, Wild Card Boxing Club, I was hoping the next Muhammad Ali would walk in. Little did I know that in 2001, my Muhammad Ali would weigh 122 pounds. His name was Manny Pacquiao, and he was and still is the pride of the Philippines.
“For two decades, since Manny and I first trained together at Wild Card, we prepared for some of the biggest fights. As his collection of world championship belts expanded, so did his impact on boxing and the world.
“The news today that Manny will be part of the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s class of 2025 fills me with great pride. As much as I enjoyed working alongside Manny all those years, I am even more delighted to share the same recognition with him at the International Boxing Hall of Fame.”
Pacquiao joins rival Floyd Mayweather as a first-ballot Hall of Famer after their highly lucrative fight in 2015.
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Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, a seasoned boxing writer, and the World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
