Manny Pacquiao delivers his acceptance speech during his induction to the Boxing Hall of Fame | Screenshot YouTube
NEW YORK – Manny Pacquiao, the legendary Filipino boxing champion and global icon, has added another feather to his cap. He has been officially inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, headlining the Class of 2025, at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York, on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
Pacquiao joins an elite group of Filipino boxing legends, including Pancho Villa, Flash Elorde, and Lope “Papa” Sarreal. The event also featured other inductees, including Vinny Paz, Michael Nunn, Yessica Chavez, Anne Sophie Mathis, and Mary Jo Sanders, among others. Boxing legends, referees, and industry figures, including Kenny Bayless and Randy Gordon, were also honored alongside Pacquiao.
At Canastota, New York, where the International Boxing Hall of Fame headquarters are located, roughly a 15-minute ride from Verona, Pacquiao was given a tour of the place before the ceremonies began. The town gave the inductees a warm welcome with a street parade, each inductee riding in a convertible car.
The last honoree to be called to the stage, Pacquiao delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech during the induction ceremony, reflecting on his humble beginnings in the Philippines and emphasizing how boxing provided him with a path out of poverty and a way to uplift his family and countrymen.
“I came from nothing – just a small boy from the streets of General Santos City – no shoes, no food, no chance but a dream in my heart,” he said. “I know hunger, I know pain, I know what it means to be counted out, but I also know what God can do with faith and never give up.”
“Boxing gave me a way out,” he continued, “He turned my struggles into strengths, my failures into lessons, and my pain into purpose. Every fight, every victory, it was a step further from poverty.”
He also spoke about his journey from selling newspapers to becoming an eight-division world champion. He credited his success to God’s blessings, expressing deep gratitude for the opportunities boxing provided him. And acknowledged the support of his fans, trainers, and mentors who shaped his career. He spoke about how boxing had transformed his life and how he hoped his journey would inspire future generations. He stressed that greatness isn’t about titles but about how one lives and uplifts others.
“This is our victory. This is our story, and the best is yet to come,” Pacquiao said, his voice cracked with emotion, and he even fought back tears. Pacquiao highlighted his commitment to taking on the toughest fights rather than chasing accolades. He never cherry-picked opponents; instead, he chose challenges that tested his limits.
His younger brother, Governor Rogelio “Ruel” Pacquiao of Sarangani Province, expressed immense pride in Manny’s achievement, calling it a “historic moment” for the Filipino people.
Pacquiao was accompanied by his family, close friends, and longtime trainer Freddie Roach. His wife, Jinkee Pacquiao, was present, showing her unwavering support, along with several members of his team who have been by his side throughout his career.
While no other high-profile politicians were officially reported to be in attendance, Pacquiao himself acknowledged his past role as a Philippine senator (2016-2022) during his speech, reflecting on how boxing helped him serve his country beyond the ring.
Meanwhile, according to a report, his mother, Dionisia, celebrated her 75th birthday in General Santos, surrounded by family and friends. The celebration included her boyfriend, Mike Drilon Yanson, and her ex-husband, Rosalio Pacquiao, showing the strong bond within their blended family.
Jinkee Pacquiao shared moments from the event on social media, highlighting the family’s prayers and togetherness. Dionisia has been a vocal supporter of Manny’s career, though she has also wished for him to retire permanently due to concerns for his safety.
Before retiring in 2021, Pacquiao had an impressive professional boxing record of 62 wins, eight losses, and two draws, with 39 victories by knockout. His career spanned four decades, making him the only boxer to win world titles in the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s.
