The International Boxing Hall of Fame ‘Class of 2025’ has just been officially announced, with the legendary Manny ‘Pac Man’ Pacquiao set to be inducted at next year’s ceremony.
With a professional record of 62-8-2, Pac Man’s inclusion in the Hall of Fame shouldn’t come as a surprise, with boxing legends past and present now sharing heartfelt tributes to the Filipino icon.
Manny Pacquiao named in International Boxing Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025
Manny Pacquiao has been included in the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025, alongside the likes of Vinny Paz, Mary Jo Saunders, Michael Nunn, Yessica Chavez and even referee Kenny Bayless.
“I am so happy that I have been selected to enter the International Boxing Hall of Fame,” celebrated Pacquiao in a statement to the IBHoF, adding “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.”
The 2025 induction ceremony is scheduled for June 5-8th, with this year’s class being selected by members of the Boxing Writers Association of America and a panel of historians.
“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.”
Just a few hours later, Roach would react to his pupil’s long-awaited HoF induction with a touching tribute to the legendary champion.
Freddie Roach shares tribute as Manny Pacquiao inducted into boxing Hall of Fame
Freddie Roach has been in Pacquiao’s corner through thick and thin, with the iconic coach himself having been inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame back in 2012 under the ‘Trainer of World Champions’ category.
As fans and fighters from around the world share congratulatory messages to Pacquiao, Roach’s tribute is a fascinating insight into their relationship – as well as all they’ve accomplished together.
“I opened my gym in hopes that the next Muhammad Ali would walk through the door. 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 twenty years, after Manny and I first did mitts in the ring at Wild Card, we trained together for some of the biggest fights. As his collection of world championship belts grew, so did his presence in boxing and the world. Today’s announcement that Manny will be a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 makes me incredibly proud.”
Roach stated that as much as he’s adored his time in the ring with Pac Man, he’s “even happier sharing the same wall with him at the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
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“Congratulations, Manny. You deserve this. You are and will always be my Muhammad Ali.”
Roach might have gone a little wild with 23 different Hashtags, but they read as a reminder of the incredible legacy that Pac Man leaves behind: “#LivingLegend, #Champion, #GOAT, #Family, #Community, #Phillipines, #HallOfFame.”