MANNY PACQUIAO SELECTED TO ENTER INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME

Manny Pacquiao, an adored figure in the Philippines to be inducted in the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June next year in New York (Photo courtesy of MP Promotions)

The Philippines’ greatest boxer and one of the most decorated boxers in history, will be among those inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025, the organization announced.

The International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum announced that Pacquiao, along with 13 others, will be joining its ranks during its induction rites. He became the first Filipino athlete to appear on a postage stamp and was featured in Time magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people in 2009.

Pacquiao was a world champion from flyweight (112 pounds) through super welterweight (154 pounds) divisions in a career that spanned from 1995 to 2021. With a 72-fight career during which he had 62 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws.

A former Filipino senator who ran for president in 2022, Pacquiao also made a name for himself outside the ring as a politician, philanthropist, lawmaker, and singer.

“I am so happy that I have been selected to enter the International Boxing Hall of Fame. 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 honor to my country, the Philippines, and my fellow Filipinos around the world,” Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao will join the ranks of his longtime coach Freddie Roach, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012, as well as Filipino boxing icons Gabriel “Flash” Elorde (1993) and Francisco “Pancho Villa” Guilledo (1994), the most successful Asian boxer of his time.

The induction ceremony will be held on June 5-8 in Canastota, New York. “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,” said 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 Canastota, New York.”

Source: ABS-CBN News 

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